The three peoples native to Lampung -- the Abung, the Pubian and Paminggir -- are famous for a distinctive form of ceremonial hanging called palepai that commonly features geometric ship motifs. The production of these striking cloths dates back to en era when a lucrative pepper trade flourished in Lampung. The collapse of the trade in the 19th century brought about the demise of many local traditions, including the production of the time-consuming production of palepai. This piece is a fine copy and was likely to be made in Java. A Javanese man, Haji Abdul Kadir, has produced many such cloths using methods that closely resemble the time-honoured Lampung weaving techniques. In 1975, he was challenged to make a new version of an old palepai ship cloth belonging to an elderly acquaintance. The weavers' skills are such that many who eventually purchase these cloths believe they are genuine, rare antiques. (Toos van Dijk/Nico de Jonge-Robyn Maxwell).