Revitalizing Karo Cultural Heritage: Hand-Drawn Batik Design with Natural Indigofera Dye
Wahyu Tri Atmojo, Misgiya, Onggal Sihite, Zuhaira Nabila Nasution, Fini Artatina Hia

Universitas Negeri Medan

Abstract

Batik tulis, recognized by UNESCO since 2009 as Indonesia^s intangible cultural heritage, signifies that the presented batik motifs are a unique art form, relevant, and crucial to be created with new design models and deeper exploration. Therefore, this research aims to create batik designs based on the cultural resources of North Sumatra, specifically the Karo ornaments. The Karo are one of the Batak ethnic groups abundant in local cultural resources in the form of ornaments. The batik dye used is natural dye from Indigofera, a genus of plants known for natural indigo dye. The natural batik dye is processed adequately, considering the natural content with fixatives such as calcium hydroxide, alum solution, and ferrous sulfate solution. The research method involves a creative process through three stages: exploration, design, and realization. The research findings indicate that Karo ornaments can serve as a source of inspiration in creating hand-drawn batik using natural dye. The introduction of batik art using indigofera natural dye offers an alternative for batik enthusiasts.

Keywords: Batik Tulis, Karo Ornaments, Indigofera, North Sumatra, Ethnic

Topic: Sport Sciences and Heritage Culture