Plaited Arts from the Borneo Rainforest

This is the first volume ever to survey the world of Borneo's plaited arts. It is essential reading for collectors, dealers and museums interested in Southeast Asian basketry and for anyone interested in the material culture of Borneo. It is the definitive reference work on Borneo's plaited arts. Borneo is home to one of the world's largest and richest tropical rainforests, providing a wealth of plants for use by its inhabitants. Many of Borneo's finest works of art are made from simple plant materials such as rattan, bamboo, and pandanus, gathered in the rainforest and worked by hand with various plaiting techniques. Borneo basketry - unsurpassed in its combination of beauty, form and function - is definitely one of the world's richest (if not the richest) but little has been published about this until now. This richly illustrated volume offers a comprehensive look at the woven masterpieces created by Borneo's rainforest artists, featuring objects made for use in all areas of life. It brings together all of the world's living scholars and experts in the field of Borneo's material culture plus several local artists and crafts people. Not only does the volume present a comprehensive picture of Borneo's plaited arts; it also provides a unique window into the way of life of Borneo's inhabitants and the relationship they have with their rich environment. As a result, "Plaited Arts from the Borneo Rainforest" will be essential and compelling reading for aficionados, collectors and scholars alike. Publication of this volume represents an undertaking by Total E&P Indonesie as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility programme for preserving Indonesian cultural heritage.