Ulos: the traditional cloth of the Batak people
Ulos Ulos is the traditional cloth of the Batak people of North Sumatra. Different kinds of ulos have different ceremonial significance. The ulos is normally worn draped over the shoulder or shoulders, or in weddings to ceremonially bind the bride and groom together. Ulos are traditionally hand woven and in the case of higher-quality examples are significant family heirlooms, to be worn at important events, such as funerals and weddings. With increasing modernisation has come the decline in significance of the ulos, with many varieties no longer in demand. According to Batak people, there are 3 sources of warmthness for human; sun, fire and ulos. Ulos is said to be a source of warmth because they were living on cold mountains. This natural condition makes the sunlight insufficient to give warmth especially at night. Then, they create something that is able to give them warmth, also believed to be able to give the men bravery and the women strength against infertility voodoos. At f...