This massive and wonderful book on the weaving of the Batak peoples of Sumatra sets a new standard for the documentation of the textile heritage of an indigenous tradition. Combining two decades of fieldwork with detailed study of museum collections and archive photographs Sandra Niessen has produced an exhaustive and definitive study which repays both casual browsing and careful study. For scholars of African textile traditions it lays down a challenge in terms of depth and detail of documentation and illustration that is both inspiring and daunting. For more details, a pdf of a sample chapter, and a way to purchase a copy direct from Sandra visit her website here
