Rare Batak Ulos Pinunsaan Textile, 19th century.Ceremonial Shoulder cloth, "pinunsaan", cotton ikat, supplementary weft weaving and twining, Toba Batak people, Sumatra, Indonesia. Pinunsaan is one of the two most important in the Batak hierarchy of ikat cloths. Executed in a dark mengkudu (morinda), with finely detailed end panels in supplementary weft. Ulos have male and female endings and are central in bridal exchanges. They are ascribed protective powers against physical danger such as illness. Seers would read the future in their patterns, shamans prescribed weaving or wearing one as a cure for unexplained afflictions. Size: 78'' x 55'' (198 x 140 cm).