Availability of Ikat fabric online created a lot of interest in these unique and noble textiles. The history of Ikat fabrics covers different countries where artisans independently of each other (or not so independently?) created different patterns and used various symbols. We love good stories, especially when it comes to symbols used in fabrics. This blog post is about ikat design, ikat patterns and influences affecting them. 

Ikat design is about abstraction. The ikat binding technique and resist dying soften the edges of the ikat pattern making the transition of one color to the next softer, blurrier or cloudier.  Hence, the local name for the technique – abr (cloud).  The artisan binding the fabrics is known as “abrband” (weaver of clouds).

Ikat design and abstract art

For a land that was at crossroads of so many cultures and changing religious and political influences it was only natural and safe (!) to stick to something that is abstract. A pattern that vaguely looked like a carpet weaving comb could be seen as a lucky amulet if turned upside down.