Iket


Iket ', also known as totopong, udeng' is a traditional headgear used throughout Java, Bali, and Lombok, usually made of batik fabric.

Name

The term iket comes from the Sundanese language. Originally meant "to tie" or "to knot", it later evolved to specifically mean a type of tied cloth used as headwear. The term totopong is derived from the word tepung with initial reduplication.

Sundanese ''iket''

Iket or totopong is a part of the traditional Sundanese male attire, it holds high importance and prestige due to the diligence and patience required to wear one. Iket is traditionally used as fashion complementary for certain occasions such as traveling, visiting, or attending traditional ceremonies as a sign of honour and dignity. Other than fashion, iket also serves other functions such as to store items or money, as a self-defence weapon, or as a pad for prostration during prayers when prayer rugs aren't available. In modern times, iket is primarily used as a symbol of cultural heritage and has largely fallen out of wide use outside of cultural events.
While iket and totopong are often interchangable in speech, totopong refers to a more low-class style headwear, worn by merchants, workers, and farmers, and is considered less polite to the more high and middle-class udeng worn by nobles or formal ceremonies. Iket is also differentiated into eras:Iket buhun or iket baheula refers to the traditional totopong used pre-modern times, it's made using a square-shaped cloth. In certain communities, it is still used as a symbol of Sundanese identity, seen in traditional weddings and ceremonies.Iket kiwari refers to modern forms of iket. Beginning in the early 2000s, iket kiwari represents a form of appreciation from Sundanese cultural figures, communities, and artists. Unlike iket buhun, the different shapes of iket doesn't represent difference in position or social status, but rather the occupation of the wearer.

Types of ''iket''

Iket has a wide variety of forms and types, they can be divided into usage and styles:

By usage

Iket amparan is the traditional way of wearing an iket. Using a cloth in the shape of a square, triangle or rectangle, it is folded, wrapped, and then tied to the head.Iket praktis is a type of iket that is made by sewing cloth to the preferred shape, it's similar to a songkok in usage.

By style

Barangbang Semplak : Characterised by a triangular-shaped fabric that hangs at the back of the head, resembling a fallen coconut or sugar palm leaf.Parékos or Paros : Characterised by a small triangular part of the fabric that hung down on the top of the head, Parékos is further divided into several other categories:
  • * Parékos ''Jéngkol : Where the end of one of the cloths is pulled forward and tucked under the wrap, so that it appears right in the middle of the forehead.
  • * Parékos Nangka'' : Where the end of one of the cloths isn't tucked, where it's left hanging in front of the forehead.