Tenun vs Songket

The difference between Tenun and Songket lies in technique, motifs, and cultural value:

Weaving Technique

Tenun: fabric created by weaving warp (vertical threads) and weft (horizontal threads) alternately. The patterns and motifs come from the combination of colored threads.
Songket: a type of tenun, but with additional gold or silver threads (sometimes other shimmering threads) woven into it. The process is more intricate because the extra threads must be inserted to form raised patterns.

Characteristic Motifs

Tenun: motifs are usually simpler, often geometric, striped, or traditional regional patterns (e.g., ikat weaving, gringsing, lurik).
Songket: motifs are luxurious and elaborate, often depicting flora, fauna, or royal symbols. The metallic threads make the fabric shimmer.

Impression & Usage

Tenun: commonly used for daily wear, traditional attire, or modern fashion, as it is relatively lighter and more varied.
Songket: regarded as more sacred and prestigious, usually worn for traditional ceremonies, weddings, or formal events. Because of the metallic threads, it feels heavier and more valuable

Cultural Value

Tenun: found in many regions of Indonesia (Sumatra, Bali, Flores, Kalimantan, etc.), each with its own distinct style.
Songket: more closely associated with Malay, Minangkabau, Palembang, and Lombok traditions, symbolizing luxury and social status.

Summary

All songket is tenun, but not all tenun is songket. Songket is ornamental weaving with added gold or silver threads, making it more opulent and culturally prestigious.