Masalili Weaving, Typical Traditional Fabric of Southeast Muna Regency

Helloindonesia.id – Weaving has become a hereditary activity in Masalili Village, Kontunaga District, Muna Regency, Southeast Sulawesi. Until now, Masalili Village has become the center of traditional Muna woven fabric production. Almost every house in Masalili Village produces woven fabrics.

Masalili village is located about 8 kilometers from Kota Raha, the capital of Muna Regency. Getting to the village is not easy. We have to penetrate a winding, rocky and hollow path. The view of people’s wooden houses accompanied the trip. Looks like children running barefoot.

Apart from being famous for its weaving activities, villages in the interior have received a lot of attention because on the border with Bolo Village there are natural caves of Liang and Metanduno. Goa Liang is famous for its prehistoric wall paintings.

In Masalili, weaving is the daily work of its citizens who are skilled at weaving. Weaving activities take place in almost every house. This village is the center of traditional Muna weaving craftsmen

Traditionally, weaving a piece of cloth can take a year. The process starts with planting cotton. With a tool called kangia, craftsmen spin cotton fibers.

The strands of fiber are arranged to form threads that line together tightly. Strands are made along 65-70 cm. This process is called hauling (de-soro). Craftsmen then design motifs and make color compositions (kabekasi) with wood waste. If all is ready then the weaving process will begin.

Weaving requires carefulness, patience and perseverance. Because, if done in a hurry, the thread can be cut off. The length of the weaving process goes through so that the woven fabric becomes a picture of the sincerity and determination of the maker.
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However, cotton plants are currently difficult to find. Therefore, weaving craftsmen in Masalili Village switch to using ordinary threads. Now the manufacturing process is getting faster because it uses modern equipment.

Seeing the potential possessed by traditional weaving crafts, the local government intensively promoted through various exhibitions. Reportedly, due to the incessant promotion, Masalili traditional woven cloth penetrated the European market.

This is certainly good news. In addition to helping the economy of the villagers, the acceptance of this traditional woven cloth on the international market will encourage various parties to maintain their sustainability and authenticity.