In an effort to pass the tapestry tradition of the Dayak tribe in Kalimantan to the next generation, oil company Total E&P Indonesia is holding workshops for young people curated by local senior tapestry craftspeople.

The Dayak people have relied on tapestry to create an array of beautifully crafted accessories, from rugs and hats to baby carriers.

“Our company is concerned by the fact that the younger generation seems to buy ready-made hats or baby carriers from the store because they are more convenient. Meanwhile, it can take at least two weeks to finish accessories made of tapestry,” said Total Indonesia Foundation chairman Agus Djamhoer. 

“We are concerned about today’s youth, so we want to make youngsters aware of the tapestry tradition and how to nurture them in learning the skills to make the tapestry-made products,” he added. 

The foundation has, since 2011, trained 230 potential young craftspeople in Dayak tapestry creation in order to disseminate the awareness and skills as well as preserving such unique traditions.

The company helps market their work, as a source of additional income for them particularly because being craftspeople is not their main jobs.

source: The Jakarta Post