This cotton warp-ikat handwoven shawl, originating from the island of Sumba, Indonesia, dates to the second quarter of the 20th century (1925–1950). Measuring 54 inches by 90 inches (137 cm x 229 cm), this large textile is a classic example of a hinggi, a traditional man's mantle. In Sumbanese culture, hinggi were typically woven in near-identical pairs and worn as both a waist cloth and a shoulder wrap for ceremonial occasions, such as weddings and funerals.

The textile features complex figurative motifs typical of East Sumba, which often include animals of ritual sacrifice and royalty, such as deer with spreading antlers (symbolizing wisdom and high rank), roosters (signifying protective power and life), and horses (representing wealth and prestige). The design is organized into horizontal bands, a layout that mirrors the social structure and physical organization of a traditional Sumbanese village. The rich colors are achieved through natural dyes, with indigo providing the deep blues and the kombu (noni) root producing the characteristic rust-reds. The shawl is in very good condition overall, featuring two small, historically appropriate repairs.

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