About

/ About Us

Dame Ulos

Dame Ulos is a local brand from Silindung (Tarutung) which focuses on preserving “Intangible Cultural Heritage” namely “Ulos and Mandar Tarutung”. Each ulos and mandar is made with the concept of “Revitalization” using natural dyes and preserving the traditional weaving tradition (gedog) by following the original motif so that the philosophical values contained in the cloth are maintained.

Now, Dame Ulos collaborates with 150 of the best artisans/weavers in Silindung and surrounding areas. Their work is appreciated and rewarded with appropriate value to help artisans to live a better life and manage their resources sustainably and continue the Batak tradition.

/ Our Vision & Mission

Preserving Heritage through Ulos Revitalization &
Women's Empowerment

D

/ Dedication

Reviving ancient Ulos motifs on the brink of extinction while conserving the tradition of gedog weaving.

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/ Assure

Enhance the livelihoods of women engaged in weaving.

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/ Maintaining

Restoring traditional & natural dyeing methods to ulos.

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/ Environment

Preserve the ecological ecosystem.

Ulos crafts as a timeless symbols of heritage, their value rising through eras.

The handcrafted creations of Dame Ulos serve as timeless symbols of heritage, their value appreciating with each passing era. Offering a diverse array of products ranging from shawls, sets of sarongs and scarves, ceremonial ulos, to fabrics for fashion purposes, Dame Ulos epitomizes enduring quality and tradition.

/ The Founder

Renny Manurung

Renowned as the founder of Dame Ulos, Renny Manurung established the enterprise driven by her concerns over the declining interest and low sales value of ulos in Tarutung. This impelled her to return to her hometown and concentrate on exploring and enhancing the potential of this cultural heritage.

Renny Manurung’s creativity in designing ulos and mandar stems from her lifelong weaving experience. With the assistance of Sandra Niessen, a Dutch anthropologist whose research is captured in her book “Legacy in Cloth,” Dame Ulos initiated a “revitalization” movement to resurrect ancestral ulos designs that had ceased production for several decades. Their commitment and consistency in utilizing local raw materials, natural dyes, and traditional techniques paved the way for Dame Ulos to enter international markets, including Europe. Beyond preserving cultural heritage, Dame Ulos embodies important humanitarian values, including environmental stewardship and sustainability. These efforts garnered Dame Ulos numerous awards, including recognition from the AGAATI Foundation as the “Winner category Handwoven” out of 250 artisans worldwide from 50 countries, headquartered in New York, USA, in 2022.

/ Our Achievement