Koffo Panel

Koffo fabric is made from abaca tree fiber on the Indonesian Island of Sangihe. Due to the difficulty of working with this material and the effects of Dutch colonialism, Koffo textiles are uncommon. Although the fabric is stiff, it was used for clothing and made softer by being beaten with a wooden mallet. It was also used for room dividers, table mats, and bedding.

The weft of this piece is decorated with designs created by kapok yarn, also known as Java cotton, which is a natural fiber similar to cotton with a silky appearance. The motifs on Koffo textiles are adapted from nature and other philosophies sacred to the Sangihe people. All colors are made using natural dyes such as red from kesumba, and blue from indigo.