I remember when I was in maybe fourth or fifth grade and we learned about batik, a textile process of making intricate patterns using wax-resistant dyes. Our little ungraceful hands made the designs while our wide-open minds struggle to comprehend that there was a world far, far away that we hadn’t even seen on National Geographic Specials yet.
Indonesian has long held batik as their own cultural heritage, but now it’s official, as The New York Times reports that the United Nations has officially declared Indonesian (and not batik-rival, Malaysia) batik as one of the world’s important cultural traditions.
The declaration is not without it’s (political) issues. One can imagine if one has ever had a relative declare that the old cedar chest/credenza/sideboard/antique four-poster beg rightfully belongs to them and not you. Who knows, really, right? Isn’t “belonging” relative anyway.
So, for now, for the sake of the beauty of the elegant tradition of batik, at least it will be protected.
And that’s good for all the other wide-eyed children to come, their hands grabbing around bunches of fabric while thoughts of far away lands dance in their heads, will get to run home with their own version of a history found worthy of protecting.
Read the full piece here.
Photo courtesy William Stadler@sxc.hu
