Read the passage, and then decide whether the statements are true (T) or false (F).
Although there is disagreement on the origins of batik, most agree the colorful cloth reached Java in Indonesia by the 7th century. Its production technique spread throughout the island, then over the centuries batik spread to Sumatra and north into Malaysia’s coastal areas and southern Thailand.
Javanese batik displays the peoples’ view of the universe. Three traditional, easy-to-obtain colours are used - indigo, brown, and white - which represent the three major Hindu Gods: Brahma, Vishnu and Siva. Nobility have special patterns, with wider stripes or wavy lines indicating a higher rank.
Sumatra’s batik dates to the 13th century. Sumatra’s ethnic groups have their own styles of batik, which use clay for the dye. Other Indonesian islands have batik similar to those found in Java and Sumatra.
The first introduction of Malaysian batik is in the 17th century. Today, tourists can find Malaysian batik on the east coast in Johor, Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang. Motifs tend to be of plants but geometric shapes as human and animal images are taboo.
Batik finally made its way to southern Thailand, and locals still wear it as their daily clothes or as uniforms at work. Themes vary from the islands landscape and important parts of island culture such as coconut shells, palm trees, tropical flowers, and fishing boats.
Batik, has made a significant contribution to Singapore’s arts scene, with traditional and contemporary presentations.
So critical is batik to the Javanese and all of Indonesia that in 2009, UNESCO designated Indonesian batik as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.