Blogs

Celebrating the rich tradition of Ikat weaving, this blog explores the challenges facing this ancestral craft and the collective efforts needed to protect its cultural, environmental, and social value.

In this blog, we shall dive deeper into India and Indonesia’s cultural traditional and societal aspect and highlight similarities existing in both countries today. 

India and Indonesia are both living examples of vibrant culture, its diversity and rich traditions that still exist today in South and Southeast Asia.

India, which is known for its rich diversity in terms of religions, races, traditions, ritual, lifestyle, food and much more...

The moment we hear diversity, India pops up in our mind. Indeed, India is known for its diversity. But what exactly are parameters for understanding diversity in India? Why native people take pride and assert themselves for their originality? 

Due to the rapid advancement of technology, our perspective on space and time has changed. In contemporary times, the world feels less distant...  

India offers a vast array of natural dyes due to its varied topography and climatic conditions. Natural dye knowledge and applications in textiles date back to Mohenjo-Daro in the Indus Valley circa 1100 BC...

The Center for Culture and Development- The Netherlands (CCD-NL),  mission which is aimed at strengthening cultural ties through knowledge sharing, experience and collaboration with Dutch Designers to understand this unique weaving technique of Ikat that spread from Indonesia to other parts of Asia like India, China and so on...

Aristotle identified a beautiful side of storytelling in his work The Poetics, describing the cathartic effect of seeing oneself in the story of another. Through his perspective we understand how stories allow us to reflect inward and connect with our own identity...

Weaving in India was traditionally considered to be a sacred activity. Weaving signifies the coming together of yarn, similar to the coming together of people and societies, bound by the warp and weft of social interactions... 

Imagine yourself in a world where traditions do not exist. Traditions are the threads that provide continuity, identity, and a sense of belonging. Traditions are what makes a society; traditions are what makes you you...

In an increasingly interconnected world, the challenges of conflict and division are ever-present in our lives. Various methods have been used to foster peace and collaboration, spanning from diplomacy to economic strategies...

Cultural background helps children sense who they are. Growing up within a specific social environment shapes their understanding of the world and themselves....

Each person is born into a family with historic and cultural roots. Heritage, belonging to a person by birth, could be lineage, nationality, or traditions passed down from...

The culture in the Netherlands is dynamic, and reflective. Whether it is the iconic windmills and tulip fields or the rich artistic legacy of Dutch painters such as...

Ikat, a time-honoured textile method, entails dyeing yarns with resist techniques prior to their integration into woven fabrics...

Ikat is a traditional textile technique that involves resist-dyeing yarns before weaving them into fabrics. The word 'ikat' comes from the Malay-Indonesian term 'to bind', which...

Ikat, rooted in Malaysian-Indonesian culture, embodies a rich tradition of fabric-making, passed down through generations. The very essence of its name, meaning...

Nestled in the heart of Central America, Guatemala is a country steeped in rich culture, history, and breathtaking natural beauty. Among its many treasures, the art of weaving stands out as...

Welcome to a new blog series where I take you on a deep dive into the vibrant world of Indian textiles. In this first blog post, we will take a look at the mind-boggling variety of traditional Indian fabrics...

Ikat is a captivating textile art form with profound cultural and historical significance, distinguished by its unique patterns, vibrant colours, and representation of craftsmanship, heritage, and creativity...

It is a beautiful honour to announce the rejuvenation of an endeavor, and this is mine. The Center for and Development - The Netherlands is back; with new members, an improved website, exciting new strategies, and every iota of the old passion...

In April 2023, CCD-NL was once again able to visit Indonesia to delve into the world of ikat, but this time in the city of Kupang in East Nusa Tenggara Province. One of CCD-NL’s advisors, Julita Oetojo, undertook this...

Traditional textile crafts can be found in many different places worldwide. These ancient arts are deeply interwoven with the culture of these communities and as such the people have a profound connection to them. Nevertheless, ancestral textile.... 

Today we invite you to be inspired by Marsa Ariyanti Fattu’s story, a talented Rote-Ndao ikat artist and empowered leader of the Ina Manenu weaving group...

After CCD-NL’s founder Yetty Van der Made-Haning’s trip ten years ago, we once again had the opportunity to return to Indonesia and visit the artisans we support...

Ikat Weaving's beauty can be summed up in one word: multifaceted. It exudes a presence that is both vivid and complex. When put together, these pieces of this Indonesian fabric can have...

The Ikat for Sustainability and Women Empowerment  (ISWE) project was first launched in 2021 under the title Training for Trainers and is currently being run by Ridha Sri Wianti – the bright...

Although the motifs, patterns, techniques, and materials differ, the art of weaving is one of the oldest elements of the common world heritage. Scientists think that the need for dressing...

Wars have devastating consequences of all kinds. No matter the sides, causes, or weapons, every war leaves behind ruined cities, sorrowful mothers, and a society in need of rebuilding. The human factor...