Ikat is a Malayan word meaning partial dyeing of yarns intended for weaving. The parts of the yarns which remain undyed are reserved by binding them with a material impermeable to the dye or by protecting them in some other way from dye penetration. After a review of the history of ikat fabrics and a list of definitions, a report is given of a survey carried out in Orissa, India, to study the activities of the tyers, dyers and weavers, the types of yarns and looms, the tying, dyeing and weaving processes, and traditional motifs. -- AATA