A Weaver’s Journey on Savu Island

Born into a household of master weavers on Savu Island, Ice Sarlince Tede Dara’s began weaving at the age of six. Despite initial resistance from her grandmother, a skilled weaver, Ice secretly created her first woven belt on a simple loom. Throughout her childhood she honed her skills, eventually mastering intricate ikat patterns. Ice takes pride in the artistic heritage of Savu Island textiles, her sarongs feature patterns created by her ancestresses twelve generations ago.

Ice’s hardships did not deter her from her creative and academic pursuits; instead, she used her weaving skills to pay for school fees. She later secured a private sponsorship to study economics, accounting, and finance at university. Returning to Savu after graduation, Ice became an honorary teacher, balancing her teaching responsibilities with her role as a key member of the weavers’ group “Tewuni Rai” (Placenta of the World). Her expertise led her to present lectures at prestigious events like the ASEAN Textile Conference in Chiang Mai and the Indonesian Heritage Society.

Ice’s dedication extends beyond personal achievement; she is part of “Meet the Makers Indonesia,” a collective promoting Indonesia’s craft traditions. As Ice Sarlince Tede Dara weaves the threads of tradition, her daughter joins in, representing the family’s fourth generation of living weavers. These sarongs are heirlooms and invoke a powerful lineage of women.