User:Abbeymorris

Menganyam - Sumbanese Woven Mats

Menganyam is the traditional art of weaving with plants that is located in the Central Sumba region. Traditional weaving is used to create mats, baskets, bags and a variety of utilities used in the daily activities. The skill of Menganyam is passed down from mothers to daughters and has also been implemented in the Sumabese school curriculum.

The plant is sourced from the Pandam (Pandanus amaryllifolius) which is located across many islands and regions in Southeast Asia. The Pandam leaf is cut and dried for up to 3 days before weaving commences. The dry leaves are straightened and cut to the size of the weaver’s choice. Typically, smaller baskets and bags are cut between  0.5cm and 1cm and large mats between 1cm and 2cm thickness.

The Menganyam mats are integral to Sumbanese tradition. The mats are used for guest to sit on when they are invited into the house. The mats are also essential for guests during traditional ceremonies and rituals. Woven baskets are commonly used to hold ceremonial rice before and after cooking. A large mat (approximately 6 to 8 metres) can take one person up to 1 week to construct. Large baskets can take 3 to 4 days to make, including their lids. Traditional weaving has modernised to include patterned bags, earrings, coloured mats or place mats and pouches.