In the central part of this textile of brown stripes are narrow and broader zig-zag shaped ikat rows of longitudinal dark red stripes. Geometrically patterned motifs are worked into each of the ends. Textiles play an important role in the lives of the Batak people. Traditional fabrics were very important in ceremonies and ritual gift exchange between the bride and the groom's families. They were a symbol of protection that the bride's family offered to the groom's family.
