According to several historical texts, the term “batik” first appears in 17th century Dutch texts, and refers to colored and patterned cloth. It is an Indonesian word that comes from the Javanese term “ambatik”, which in turn comes from the work “tik” meaning to mark with dots, and in a wider sense, signifies drawing, painting or writing.
The art form itself is over 2000 years old, and the earliest evidence has been found in four separate regions: the Far East, the Middle East, Central Asia and India. Java, however, is where batik has reached the highest levels of accomplishment. Initially, it was the pastime of privileged women of noble birth. Later, it became the traditional dress of the aristocracy, involving very intricate and repetitive designs often with very specific meanings, and eventually it became the national costume worn throughout the islands.
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