'Geringsing' cloths are particular to the village of Tenganan in east Bali. The overall design, structure and the double 'ikat' technique of patterning present in this 'geringsing' recall the important 'patola' which originated in India and was brought to Indonesia as a trade cloth. This ceremonial cloth is decorated with the design known as 'si gading' which refers to the geometric motif set within checked squares. It is used by men and may have originally been used as a man's loincloth, later being associated with notions of potency. They are predominantly used at ceremonies connected with martial or exorcistic activities and are also regarded as gifts worthy of the gods. It is relevant to note that the warp threads of this 'geringsing' are still intact as once the warp threads have been severed, the 'geringsing' are restricted to human use generally those marking rites of passage.

Asian Art Department, AGNSW, August 2000