Ubud is a cultural center of Bali, a place many visitors head straight for, with the intention of enjoying the art, paintings, carvings, sculptures etc. Fiber arts are celebrated at a tiny place called Threads Of Life, located downtown.
Driving from Kuta / Seminyak, you can get on Jl. Raya Ubud in around 90 minutes or less.
Threads Of Life, is a shop / museum, dedicated to keeping alive the traditional weaving arts of Indonesia. Arriving I was surprised how small the place was, and once inside talked to Weti, who is a weaver herself. The upstairs area contains a variety of items, that are made from batik, including these shirts, which were on sale for 300,000 – 600,000rp.
The basement had a selection of ikats, the rectangular cloths that are popular all over the archipelago. All the items are for sale and I checked out of the nicer ikats that was going for 1.5m rp.
Weti told me an English fellow named William Ingram, wrote a book on weaving in Indonesia, and was a big influence on the people, by opening the shop. Its good to see small independent groups of people, starting businesses that keep traditions alive.
The street where the shop is located, is a pretty little alley, with artshops and homestays. You can check out Threads Of Life in 15 minutes, its so small. Outside the shop are pots containing indigo and other plants, used for dying the thread, the art doesn’t allow cutting corners.
Threads Of Life (Indonesian Textile Center)
Jl. Kajeng 24
Ubud
Bali 80571
0361 972187
[email protected]
Threads Of Life
•Where is it?
Ubud
•What is it?
A shop / museum that focuses on preserving and promoting the fiber arts of Indonesia.
•How long does it take to get there?
90 minutes for less from Kuta.
•Opening hours:
Daily 10am-6pm
•Admission:
Free
•Items available for purchase?
Yes. Prices shown.
•Who would enjoy visiting Threads Of Life?
Fiber artists, people interested in Indonesian history, people looking for a unique, quality gift from Indonesia. People who enjoy short cultural displays.
•Who would not enjoy visiting Threads Of Life?
People who want a large museum. People with small kids. People looking for cheap gifts. People who can’t be bothered to about Indonesian, culture / history.
•Best time to go?
Any time is good, but preferably not when a tour bus unloads nearby.
