Jacket

Aceh, the northernmost province of Sumatra, was among the first regions in Indonesia whose people converted to Islam, and religion continues to play an important role in their lives. With the advent of Islam, came shifts in the types and styles of garments worn by the people of Aceh. Tailored jackets and pants were introduced as well as decorative motifs such as embroidery and mirror appliqué. The Gayo people of the central highlands are known for their elaborately embroidered shirts and jackets. Originally such garments were embroidered by hand, but they were made with treadle sewing machines after the early twentieth century. Unlike most textiles in Southeast Asia, these garments were sewn by men. It is thought that because leather goods, traditionally crafted by men, were decorated with similar embroidery, men also became responsible for creating these garments and other items requiring embroidery. Most garments of this type are made with black cotton that has been ornamented with interlocking stitch embroidery. Colors typically used in these jackets are yellow, green, and red, said by some to represent Islam, royalty, and the people of Aceh. This jacket is marked by intertwining swirls within geometric shapes, and is further accented with shell appliqué.