Weaving Web of Protection: Gringsing Textiles

This article discusses the meaning and significance of Gringsing textiles for people of Tenganan Pegringsingan village specifically, and for people in Bali more generally. People in this village treat Gringsing textiles as a sacred object that provides protection for the people who make and wear it. The textile's name aligns with the literal meaning of Gringsing, which is the absence of, or protection from, illnesses. The concept of protection interconnects the makers and the users. During the process of creation, the makers create protection through each step of the process; then, in reciprocation, the textiles provide protection to the makers and users.