Unknown Maker, Javanese

Symbols such as the broken or double sword (parang rusak) were once reserved for members of the Central Javanese nobility of the Mataram Court (1582-1755). The higher the rank of the individual the larger the motif could be. On the north coast of Java, where court culture had less influence, people of all levels of society wore the parang, thus shifting its cultural weight. Eventually, the potent symbol of power evolved into a fashionable statement, as here in the selendang in which the parang motif functions as a decorative element, alternating diagonals of dark and light, and perhaps a stylized arabesque, which was a symbol of Islam.

One of the oldest designs in the batik tradition is the Parang rusak, seen in the middle of this textile. Originally reserved for use within the courts of Central Java, by the late 19th century it was also available to commoners. This slendang combines the traditional Central Javanese field pattern and colors with a floral border derived from the work of innovative North Coast batik artists.