The NGA's collection of Indonesian textiles

Man's head cloth, c. 1900, Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Photo: National Gallery of Australia

The National Gallery of Australia (NGA) holds one of the richest public collections of Indonesian textiles in the world. Thanks to the generous assistance of the Australia-Indonesia Institute, the extensive collection of over 1,200 works is accessible to scholars, researchers and textile enthusiasts across the globe through the NGA website.

A major undertaking, all of the textiles have been studio photographed in colour and digitised. Catalogue information has been reviewed and updated to include recent research on textile origins. Searches can be made in many ways, including by region, cultural group, medium, technique and subject. Information regarding popular design motifs is also available as is an extensive bibliographic listing.

The support of the Australia Indonesia Institute has ensured that the National Gallery of Australia's splendid collection is permanently documented - and, importantly, the project reinforces the Gallery's commitment to enhancing public access to the national collection. 

The website is continually updated to include new acquisitions and research developments. It is also envisaged that 'virtual' access will encourage further scholarship and interest in what is arguably Indonesia's most significant form of artistic expression.