This piece is called a 'ragi hotang', a symbolic garment woven by the Batak people of north Sumatra. The unique feature of this texile is the use of red and blue threads in single warp threads. When these threads are placed very close together on the loom, the result is a dark wine colour and small white ikat dashes that form lengthwise lines that can been seen only on closer inspection of the textile. The term ragi hotang means "spotted rattan", which refers to the fine, spotted ikat design in the central part of the cloth. The Batak considers the rattan creeper to be a symbol of longevity. During a wedding ceremony, the bride's father would wrap up the young couple in a ragi hotang.
