The philosophy of Minangkabau songket patterns

Not only batik that has different meanings on each patterns. Weaving of West Sumatra or songket with a wealth of patterns also has its own meaning and value of togetherness. "Weaving skill for the Indonesian is a legacy that needs to be defended and socialized, as this is the power of culture, creativity, and art in social life," said designer Samuel W, during the fashion show.

During its development there is a process of acculturation in Minangkabau society, especially since the inclusion of Islamic influence to the city. This affects the woven patterns that adapt natural motifs and ornaments from the Middle East like Arab, Egyptian, and Syriac. Long ago, indigenous element is synonymous with nature because nature is considered as a source of principal and essential to the human race that have influenced motifs crafters in process of this songket.

This fact turned out to form a philosophy in various woven fabric motifs of West Sumatra. Examples are as follows:

1. Pucuk Rabuang

These motifs have meaning that a person's life should be useful over time. This pattern told that life should follow the philosophy of bamboo, which is always useful since it's young bamboo (bamboo shoots) to eat, until it's old (bamboo) as the floor of the house or building materials. This bamboo shoots motif is also likened that the plant is useful throughout his life and all parts have many uses.

2. Itiak Pulang Petang
This motifs have meaning that live in a society must comply with applicable regulations. This pattern told that people should be able to live together and realize the harmony among Minangkabau people that live in the order of a solid mutual cooperation.

3. Kaluak paku
This motifs have meaning that we as humans should be introspective since childhood, and need to learn from an early age from family. Education in the family becomes the main provision for the running life in society. As adults we have to get along into the community, so that the provision of family life can make themselves more powerful and not easily affected by things that negative. Uniquely, this motif also has another meaning, that is a leader must be able to set an example for the people around.

4. Sajamba makan

This pattern used as a symbol of togetherness in the enjoyment of success.

5. Tirai
known as a decoration from the fabric that is placed on walls, doors, and others, whose function is to add beauty and lively atmosphere. This motifs describe the beauty, the symbol of luxury in the Minangkabau ceremonies.

6. Saluak laka

This pattern has mean as symbol of kinship. This will give meaning in people's life, that power will interwoven from unity that mutually bound so that it will be realized strength in facing various problems.