Image Gallery: Palepai and Tampan - Shipcloths of Sumatra

Palepai and tampan – the shipcloths of South Sumatra, named after the ship motif used in the design. The ship motif is a symbol of transition in many parts of Indonesia. It represents the movement of a person’s soul from one stage of life to another and was used in various ceremonies, such as birth, circumcision, tooth filing, marriage and funeral. 

Palepai is a wall hanging which use was restricted to the aristocracy in Lampung society in parts of South Sumatra.

Tampan is smaller cloth more commonly used by Lampung people to wrap ceremonial foods or to sit on during ceremonies.