2 Definition and The Meaning of Ulos 3 The Development of Ulos Batak

3. 2 Definition and The Meaning of Ulos

Ulos is a rectangular piece of traditional woven cloth, holds significant traditional values that is respected and used in various sacred ceremonies. It is symbolize love between parent and children, someone to others, physically and spiritually. Furthermore Ulos, traditional woven cloth of Batak Toba which is believed to be a symbol of spiritual power it is carries great importance and meaning to be the people of Toba Batak. The ancestor of Toba batak need the life giver related to the physical life, because geography condition of Tapanuli and Toba regions are plain and the height of sea level is very cold, so it will make the body condition of Batak Toba warm and the spiritual happy, so the understanding of “ Las ni roha” or joyful, they are sun, fire and Batak Ulos. Sun and fire are God s, given, meanwhile fire is not safe to make the body warm at night, but Ulos is only worn around the body to avoid it from cold. It means that the ancestor of Batak Toba really needed Ulos to give warm to their children and Ulos is daily needs. Ulos is warm around the body as clothing at that time. Finally, Ulos is used as gifts in Batak Toba tradition. The marriage causes a union and integration among three parties mentioned above, as if it is three important hearths in the kitchen in daily life. Generally, Ulos is used in traditional ceremony or party especially when there is condolence such as “Saur matua and Sari matua” . However Ulos can also he given to someone whom we Universitas Sumatera Utara respect , such as Government top official functionaries, foreigners. Ulos can also be used as wall accessories.

3. 3 The Development of Ulos Batak

Weaving Ulos primarily in social and economical of Toba Batak way of life. In Batak Toba original myth, the earth is creation of a weaver, and in pre colonial worldwide, weaving was strongly associated with fertility. The ideal bride was a weaver who could provide for the needs family. The region of Ulos Batak could be found in Silindung Valley, south of Lake Toba, the most productive Batak Toba weaving centre also the region that produces the most modern textile variant.

3. 4 The Process of Weaving Ulos Batak in Toba Region