About Hand Weaving Village
The Hand Weaving Village stands as a vibrant testament to Lombok's rich textile heritage, serving as both a living museum and a thriving center for the ancient art of Sasak weaving. For over seven centuries, this traditional village has preserved weaving techniques that date back to the Majapahit Empire, when the Sasak people first settled on Lombok. More than just a craft, weaving here represents an unbroken cultural lineage where each thread carries stories of ancestors and traditions that have shaped the island's identity.
Walking through the village feels like stepping into a living tapestry. The rhythmic clacking of wooden looms provides a constant soundtrack as generations of master weavers - primarily women who learn the art from their mothers as young girls - create exquisite fabrics using methods unchanged for hundreds of years. The village maintains strict adherence to traditional practices, from the hand-spinning of locally grown cotton to the use of natural dyes derived from the surrounding landscape: indigo leaves for deep blues, turmeric roots for vibrant yellows, and mengkudu bark for rich reds.
Visitors witness the complete textile creation cycle, beginning with the painstaking preparation of threads. Cotton is first carded by hand to align the fibers, then spun using simple spindle whorls. For the prized Songket fabrics, weavers incorporate delicate gold and silver threads imported from Java, a technique believed to have been introduced by Buginese traders in the 16th century. The village specializes in three distinct weaving methods:
- Ikat (tie-dye weaving): Considered Lombok's signature textile, patterns are created by strategically tying and dyeing threads before weaving. The precision required means a single mistake in tying can ruin weeks of work.
- Songket (brocade): The most luxurious form, featuring metallic supplementary weft threads that create shimmering geometric and floral motifs. Completing one meter can take up to three months.
- Endek (weft ikat): A less common technique where only the weft threads are patterned, creating softer, more fluid designs often used for ceremonial clothing.
Weaving Process
- 1 Thread Preparation - Cotton is hand-spun and prepared for dyeing using traditional methods.
- 2 Natural Dyeing - Threads are colored using natural dyes from plants, roots, and minerals.
- 3 Pattern Creation - For Ikat weaving, threads are carefully tied and dyed to create patterns before weaving.
- 4 Weaving - Using traditional backstrap looms, weavers create intricate patterns through meticulous handwork.
- 5 Finishing - Fabrics are washed, stretched, and sometimes embellished with metallic threads for special pieces.
Experience & Activities
Weaving Demonstrations
Watch master weavers demonstrate traditional techniques from thread preparation to complex pattern creation on various types of looms.
Try Weaving
Under guidance, try your hand at basic weaving techniques and gain appreciation for the skill required.
Souvenir Shopping
Purchase authentic Sasak textiles directly from the weavers, from simple scarves to elaborate Songket fabrics.
Cultural Immersion
Learn about the cultural significance of different motifs and the role of weaving in Sasak traditions and ceremonies.
Visitor Information
Hours & Best Time to Visit
- Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Best visited in the morning when weavers are most active (9 AM - 12 PM)
- Allow 1-2 hours for your visit to fully appreciate the craft
Location & Transportation
- Located in Central Lombok, approximately 25km east of Mataram
- About 30 minutes drive from Lombok International Airport (LOP)
- Accessible by car, scooter, or as part of organized tours
- Often combined with visits to other cultural villages like Sade or Banyumulek
Quick Facts
Location
Central Lombok, near Sukarara
Type
Cultural Village / Traditional Craft
Best For
Cultural experiences, traditional crafts, souvenir shopping
Recommended Duration
1-2 hours
Entrance Fee
Small donation appreciated (Rp 10,000-20,000)
Weaving Workshop Fee
Varies by duration, typically Rp 50,000-150,000
Tour Packages
The Hand Weaving Village is included in many cultural tours of Lombok. Consider our recommended packages:
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