Sacred Skills and Silent Knowledge: Communicating East Sumba Ikat Weaving Heritage through a Transactive Memory Perspective

Background: There are barriers to access to knowledge of Ikat weaving among East Sumba Ikat weaving artisans, which hinder the communication of the inheritance of East Sumba Ikat weaving. Objectives: This study aims to analyse access to knowledge in the inheritance of Ikat weaving in the East Sumba Ikat weaving artisan group. Method: This research employs a phenomenological approach, with informants being East Sumba Ikat weavers who have worked in the field for years. Results: There are three categories of access to Ikat weaving knowledge: open, limited, and closed. Closed knowledge is a stage of knowledge that is difficult to access and communicate due to cultural boundaries. In the context of Transactive memory, this closed knowledge hinders the retrieval of Ikat weaving knowledge, thereby threatening the transmission of Ikat weaving among artisans. Conclusion: This study concludes that communication about inheritance is problematic because not all knowledge of Ikat weaving is freely accessible. Knowledge at certain stages is traditionally restricted, limiting artisans’ ability to master it. As a result, the inheritance process of Ikat weaving occurs partially at certain stages only, not at all stages of making Ikat weaving. Unique Contribution: This study identifies communication issues in the inheritance of intangible assets within informal groups that remain bound by specific traditional rules. In addition, this study contributes to the development of Transactive memory theory for informal groups influenced by cultural factors. Key Recommendation: Communication regarding the inheritance of intangible assets, such as Ikat weaving, should consider cultural values to ensure that the solutions offered are relevant to the cultural context adopted by cultural actors.