AlvinT x Handep New Collection “NDARE”— A Tribute to the Interplay of People, Place and Culture
Videography by Christoper Octaviano, footage taken by Dodik Cahyendra, Anton Lyonn, Christopher Octaviano
In the heart of Gunung Purei, Central Kalimantan, where the relentless march of progress has yet to leave its imprint, the Dayak Tewoyan community flourishes by choosing to continue their ancestral way of living by maintaining closeness to the forest. Here, the locals not only embrace a different pace of life but cherish it, finding solace in their traditions and values, which they diligently uphold while nurturing sustainability through their deeply held beliefs—a legacy of sacred knowledge passed down through generations. Their weaving craft, also known as "Ndare" becomes a unifying force that speaks directly to the core of their existence—of weaving, connection, and belonging.
As they engage with the material at hand—rattan—they are confronted with the limits of their humanity. Yet this introspection leads to a realization that their skills and tools empower them to unlock endless possibilities. In this symbiosis of culture and nature, they find richness and abundance, recognizing that they have everything they need to thrive.
For too long, in the hustle and bustle of modern life, many have wandered aimlessly in search of meaning and strayed from this innate wisdom, losing sight of their heritage and the ground beneath their feet. In the intricate patterns of NDARE, lies an invitation—a call to journey within, to rediscover the forgotten rhythms of the soul. Each meticulously crafted piece serves as a reflection of our truest selves, urging us to reconnect with our origins and embrace our essence once again.
Ndare Process Image by Dodik Cahyendra
Munduk Ottoman by AlvinT x Handep, Image by Christopher Octaviano
Alvin Tjitrowirjo, our creative director, speaks of a deeper purpose—a call for designers to push the boundaries of mere aesthetics and functionality while asking a bigger picture of our role in the rising disappearance of indigenous culture and craft that comes with our hyperglobalized world, as well as the urgent need for crafting meanings in the midst of our overconsumption culture. "NDARE is not just a piece of furniture," he muses. "It is a vessel for our collective memories, a bridge between past and present, between self and other, human and nature."
Randi, the founder of Handep, affirms, "Ndare is an embodiment of the spirit of the Dayak artisans behind the creations. It is to honor our natural resources. To create pieces that resonate with the landscapes that give birth to rattan. Each weave tells a story of the land, the hands, and the culture, reminding us to cherish and protect the places that shape us.”
This is how we honor the hands that create our world and the stories that bind us together. For in the quiet beauty of NDARE, we find not just objects but fragments of our shared humanity—a tapestry of belonging woven with love and the promise of tomorrow by understanding deeper where we are from.
Matenolo Standing Mirror by AlvinT x Handep, Image by
Experience the essence of Ndare firsthand! Join us in our gallery, witness the craftsmanship, feel the textures, and discover the stories woven into each piece. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the intersection of culture and creation. Book your gallery tour here.
LOCATION
alvinT Gallery, Indonesia Design District, unit 27A, M.H. Thamrin Street, PIK 2
CONTACT DETAILS
For further information about alvinT, please contact:
For further information about HANDEP, please contact:
Ndare Collection by AlvinT x Handep, Image by Christopher Octaviano
