Indonesia’s Weaving Botanicals: (Brief) Introduction to Ketak

Ketak, the climbing fern Lygodium circinnatum, has long been woven into the everyday life of Lombok. Often perceived as a simple natural fiber, the plant carries a much wider story that spans tropical Asia and the Western Pacific. Across these regions, communities have used its flexible stems and leaves for weaving, food, and traditional medicine. In Lombok, ketak craftsmanship reflects a deep relationship between forest ecology, artisanal knowledge, and sustainable harvesting practices. Understanding the plant’s broader biogeographic history reveals how local craft traditions connect to a shared regional heritage of working with resilient natural materials.