About the Author

Heribert Amann is a classical violinist, now retired. He played professionally for more than 40 years and during that time he also traveled extensively in many African and Asian countries, exploring the cultures, studying the art and textile traditions. In the past 30 years he has visited Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, more than 20 times, collecting many examples of Iban and West Kalimantan ceremonial textiles. This collection, one of the finest in the world, is particularly notable and unusual for its breadth; it includes examples of most types and encompasses the diversity of weaving techniques used by Iban women. Most of the works have not been published before. The collection published here includes textiles used in festivals, rituals and ceremonies, as well as the clothing worn for these important occasions.