For North Sumatra, ulos is not just fabric, it is identity. Ulos is the traditional handwoven textile of the Batak ethnic group from the Toba Highlands, deeply tied to adat, ceremonies, and family life.
Traditional ulos is still woven in villages around Lake Toba, such as Tongging, Paropo, and Silalahi, while trading hubs like Pematang Siantar, Balige, Tomok, and Tuktuk sell it in markets and souvenir stalls. Research on Silalahi weaving shows how ulos has evolved from purely ceremonial cloth into a craft that also supports local livelihoods.
Today, North Sumatra is actively promoting ulos for UNESCO heritage recognition, highlighting its cultural depth and the communities that preserve it.
In interiors and furniture, ulos now appears as:
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Accent upholstery on benches, stools, and lounge chairs
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Wall hangings and framed textiles in homes, cafés, and hotels
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Table runners and cushions that bring Batak patterns into modern spaces
This blend of tradition and contemporary use makes ulos one of the clearest signatures of North Sumatra’s craft and design identity.
