Cultural Traditions And Economics Dinamycs Of The Songket Weaving Craftmen In Palembang

Local wisdom in the weaving tradition is an identity strengthening which is supported by the inheritance of the traditional arts from generation to generation. Songketfabric weaving is the creativity of local people in the fulfillment of traditional clothing, as well as social functions, symbols and icons of the city. The ethnic identity, social function, and symbolic value make the weaving tradition can still continue until now. Inheritance of this tradition is maintained through self-taught methods from family experience. This pattern illustrates that the interests and creativity of the community continue to develop until now, regardless of aspects of economic importance. Palembang Songket weaving tradition is a long process in the culture of Palembang society. Since the end of the Palembang Darussalam Sultanate until the Dutch ruled Palembang in 1821, the term ofSongket did not seem to be generally accepted. In the second half of the 19th century many noblemen or known as ‘priyayi’were forced to try to make a living by earning Songket weaving in the house, without having to sacrifice the dignity their nobility in public. This condition then lead the creation of Songket for public, even the craftsmen are in some suburb areas of Palembang.