RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Ulos fabric is not only a cultural heritage of the Batak people, but also plays an important role in social life, customs, and the development of the creative industry. Besides being used in various traditional ceremonies, Ulos has now evolved into a fashion product that still maintains the cultural values and philosophy passed down thru generations.

As quoted by the official Wonderful Indonesia website, here are three functions of ulos cloth:

1. Symbols in Traditional Ceremonies

In Batak culture, Ulos has a symbolic function as a medium for conveying prayers and blessings. At the wedding ceremony, Ulos is given as a symbol of the bond of affection between the bride and groom as well as their extended families.

Meanwhile, at the moment of birth, Ulos is given to both the mother and the baby as a symbol of protection and hope for a good life. In death ceremonies, this cloth is also used as a final tribute to someone who has passed away.

2. Social Status Marker

In addition to having spiritual value, Ulos also serves as a marker of social identity in the Dalihan Na Tolu philosophy, which forms the basis of kinship relations in Batak society.

The type of Ulos worn can indicate a person's role in the customary structure, such as Hula-hula (the giver of a wife), Dongan Tubu (blood relatives), or Boru (the receiver of a wife). In some types of Ulos, the complexity of the motifs also reflects the value and social status of the wearer.

3. Practical Function and Esthetic Value

Literally, the word ulos means a cloth for covering or warming the body. That function originated from the life of the Batak people who live in mountainous areas with relatively cold temperatures.

As time goes by, Ulos is no longer just used as a shawl, sarong, or head covering in traditional ceremonies or Tor-Tor dance performances. This traditional cloth has also been developed into various fashion and craft products, such as bags, wallets, shoes, and even modern clothing, without losing the cultural values and philosophy contained within it.