Batik Origins
Batik, a wax resist dyeing technique in fabric is an ancient art form. Discoveries show it existed in Egypt in the 4th century BCE, where it was used to wrap mummies.
In Asia, the technique was practiced in China during the T'ang dynasty (618-907 CE), and in India and Japan during the Nara period (645-794 CE).
In Africa it was originally practiced by the Yoruba tribe in Nigeria.
In Java, Indonesia, batik predates written records.
Due to globalization and industrialization, which introduced automated techniques, new breeds of batik and batik print emerged.
In Sub Sahara Africa, Javanese batik was introduced in the 19th century by Dutch and English traders. The local people there adapted the Javanese batik, making larger motifs, thicker lines and more colours.
In the 1970s, batik was introduced to the aboriginal community in Australia, the aboriginal communities developed it as their own craft.
*Pictured above is a Tjanting tool used to apply fine lines in hot wax onto the fabric in the batik process
Culture
In one form or another, batik has worldwide popularity. Now, not only is batik used as a material to clothe the human body, its uses also include furnishing fabrics, heavy canvas wall hangings, tablecloths and household accessories. Batik techniques are used by famous artistis to create batik paintings, which grace many homes and offices.
©Lisa Humphries, 2011
*Pictured above are the class batiks drying beside the dyes
