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Tenun is an artful Indonesian technique of making a fabric by weaving different colours of threads. The materials for the threads include cotton, silk and any other kinds. The process of making the fabric is an art itself. The colors and the patterns of Tenun consist knowledge, cultures, beliefs, and social values of a particular region in Indonesia.There have been different ways of carrying out the weaving process. They keep improving as time progresses.
There are two ways to making Tenun, such as:
1. Traditional Ways of Making Tenun
Traditional techniques of making tenun requires a human with the skill for it. Generally, there are two traditional ways of weaving the tenun fabric, here is some traditional ways to make tenun
a. Gendong Technique
The hands move in an up and down motion so the threads interlace with each other. Besides using the frame for the threads, the worker has another device on his or her back.
In a way, it imitates the act of carrying something behind your back (gendong) which contributes to the name of the technique. However, this is a very ancient process of tenun and only a handful of people still uses it. It is not very practical since it takes a very long time to produce a fabric.
b. Tinjak Technique
There is no need for an additional device since there are extended woods at the bottom of the frame. This technique earned its name from the usage of the feet as they press on the woods. The name for that action is “injak” in bahasa Indonesia. Due to the size of the wooden frame, workers no longer have to place it on their laps. They sit on a chair and skilfully use their hands and feet to create motions. This device is still widely used by people in different parts of Indonesia. They may also have other names for it. The fabric made from this device is highly appreciated since it takes a skilful human to produce it.
2. Modern Way of Making Tenun
The most modern way of making tenun is by using a machine. Instead of having workers making the fabric, there are machine operators keeping an eye on the tenun machines to prevent any malfunctions on the threads. Improper weaving of the threads could increase the chance of damage on the fabric. The job of the operator is to make sure that the threads will not snap during the process since they could leave an undesired pattern on the fabric which end up ruining it. This weaving machine is very common since it creates fabric at a fast rate unlike the traditional ones which are more time consuming.
b. Tinjak Technique
There is no need for an additional device since there are extended woods at the bottom of the frame. This technique earned its name from the usage of the feet as they press on the woods. The name for that action is “injak” in bahasa Indonesia.