Aesthetic Values of Ornaments in Karawo Textile in Gorontalo

Abstract

This research is financed by the Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education of the Republic of Indonesia, through the doctoral dissertation research scheme in 2018.

Abstract

Ornaments in the Karawo textile in Gorontalo-Indonesia act as the expression of art representing the physical and social environments of the society. The forms of ornaments are made unique and able to reflect innumerable values to communicate. However, the existence of these ornaments is valued solely as the decorating elements of a product for the sake of economic interest, and therefore, it cannot contribute to the development of science, especially in the field of arts. This research aims to discuss the aesthetic values of karawo ornaments in their entirety, from the aspects of form, meaning, and appearance. The data were collected through observation, interview, and literature study. The data analysis was conducted interactively during and after the data collection. The results show that the ornaments of karawo were formed by visual elements in the forms of motives, colors, and textures arranged by following the principle of rhythm, contrast, harmony, unity and balance, to create dynamic impression, and fresh, pleasure, and energetic atmosphere. This belongs to the aesthetic excellence of the karawo ornaments. The aesthetic form at the same time reflects the diversity in meaning to communicate, such as the symbol of a leader with his noble nature, the symbol of cooperation culture, which is worth preserving, and the idea about natural preservation. The appearance of the karawo ornaments in the product can improve the quality of the product itself, and at once reflects the personal identity and social status of the wearer. This research findings prove that the ornaments function not only as the visual pleasure, but also as the communication of various meanings and social and individual status, so that the presence is always fundamental, as to enrich our art knowledge.

Keywords: karawo ornaments, aesthetic values, shape, meaning, appearance