Halili petondu, ceremonial blouse, central Sulawesi. Cotton, mica flakes, beads, appliqué, embroidery, early 20th century
Halili petondu, ceremonial blouse, central Sulawesi. Cotton, mica flakes, beads, appliqué, embroidery, early 20th century
$1.00
I often find my favourite textiles in unlikely places. A few years ago, a Singapore-based foreign bank had to close its branch and let go its antique collection at rock bottom prices. I visited their office with a friend, an antique dealer, during a lunch break and fell in love with three pieces of textiles including this ceremonial blouse from central Sulawesi. I needed to borrow money from my friend, though.