Mystères du Batik Indonésien : Entre Tradition Ancestrale et Expression Contemporaine

Indonesian Batik: A Cultural Heritage Celebrated by UNESCO

The Significance of Batik in Indonesian Culture

In 2009, Indonesian Batik was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This traditional craft of hand-dyeing cotton and silk garments is deeply embedded in Indonesian culture, symbolizing various life stages and social practices. From birth to death, batik plays a significant role, with infants carried in batik slings for luck and the deceased shrouded in funerary batik. The craft is also integral to weddings, pregnancy celebrations, and artistic expressions like puppet theatre.

The Art of Batik Making

The process of creating batik involves drawing designs with hot wax on fabric, which resists dyes, allowing selective coloring. This technique results in a rich diversity of patterns influenced by various cultures, including Arabic, European, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and Persian motifs. The craft is often passed down through generations, reinforcing its cultural significance and the spiritual and creative expression of the Indonesian people.

Batik and Sustainable Development Goals

Indonesian Batik aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals, such as Gender Equality, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Responsible Consumption and Production. It is recognized under the domains of oral traditions, social practices, rituals, and traditional craftsmanship.

Resources and Support on the UNESCO Website

The UNESCO website provides resources for assistance, inscription of elements, capacity-building materials, and accreditation for NGOs. It offers videos of inscribed elements and interviews on Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), along with key references like the text of the Convention, operational directives, and committee decisions. UNESCO’s social media presence is highlighted, encouraging further exploration of their work in preserving intangible cultural heritage.

The Cultural Influence of Batik Patterns

Batik patterns are a testament to Indonesia’s rich cultural tapestry, with influences from various global cultures. These patterns not only reflect artistic creativity but also serve as a medium for storytelling and cultural expression, making batik a living tradition that continues to evolve.

Preserving Batik for Future Generations

Efforts to preserve batik are crucial for maintaining its cultural significance and ensuring its transmission to future generations. Initiatives by UNESCO and other organizations play a vital role in safeguarding this intangible cultural heritage, promoting awareness, and supporting artisans in their craft.

Sources utilisées :
BLOG – Art du Batik,
Indonesian Batik – intangible heritage – Culture Sector – UNESCO,
Art du Batik: Découvrez l’univers du batik,
Batik Gobang: The Story of Ancient Indonesia Told In Batik Art – WIPO,
Motifs indonésiens : La beauté complexe des textiles Batik et Ikat,
Baba bling au Musée du Quai Branly – L’Intermède,
World Journal of Social Science – Sciedu Press,
NOUS ALLONS MANGER DU RIZ GLUANT WE WILL EAT … – jstor,
9 Le temps du monde imparfait – Cairn,
[PDF] ART ABORIGÈNE, AUSTRALIE – Millon