This sarong was probably made in Juana, Rembang or Pati, a group of towns well known for batik cloths of this style, called ‘batik bakaran’. These usually feature abstract birds and floral motifs, with a central ‘kepala’ (‘head’ or ‘head panel’) decorated with triangular ornamentation running down the middle of the cloth. The sarong is sewn together at the ends of the cloth and the wearer would fold over the excess cloth to tighten the tube into a skirt. Bakaran cloths were popular export products in as diverse areas as Bali and Sumatra, both of which probably appreciated the fancifully abstract designs.
