This opulent ceremonial headcloth (iket kepala), originating from Palembang, South Sumatra, circa 1900, represents the pinnacle of Sumatran textile artistry. It features the complex fusion of limar (silk weft ikat) and songket (supplementary gold thread weaving). The square textile measures 35 inches by 35 inches (89 cm x 89 cm) and is crafted on a rare, stunning green silk ground that shifts in tone depending on the light.
The central field is decorated with a four-color ikat pattern in cherry red, orange, and violet-blue, featuring 8-petalled rosettes inspired by Indian patola silk textiles. The borders are made of brilliant cherry red panels adorned with songket rosettes, boxed stars, and vibrant embroidered silk flowers. Unique architectural motifs accent the corners, while double borders of star and "X" motifs add a formal, luxurious finish. The supplementary weaving utilizes high-grade gold thread (mas jantong), which has retained its untarnished luster and warm yellow glow. Scattered gold motifs across one corner were specifically placed to add dynamism when the cloth was wrapped around the head.