Bakinu

Bakinu is a traditional textile technique and the woven fabric associated with the highland valleys of Valoria, a fictional region. The term refers to both the crafting process and the cloth produced. Bakinu textiles are recognized for geometric motifs, a crisp hand, and a palette of natural dye colors. The practice is commonly organized around community workshops and family lineages, with knowledge transmitted through apprenticeship.

Technique and materials: Bakinu weaving uses backstrap or frame looms, employing warp- and weft-faced methods. A supplementary weft adds raised patterns and textures. Common fibers include cotton and ramie, with linen appearing in some regional variants. Natural dyes such as indigo, madder, and plant-based mordants provide a restrained color range. Patterns are often designed on graph-like templates; the weaving schedule encodes motif steps, and finishing steps like washing, chalking, and plant-resin stiffening help preserve texture and color.

History: The practice is believed to have originated in early Valorian villages around the 11th century and spread through regional trade networks. Over time, bakinu patterns absorbed influences from neighboring craft traditions, while many communities preserved traditional methods. In contemporary settings, some producers adopt mechanized looms for efficiency, though a substantial portion of bakinu work remains handwoven.

Cultural role and modern status: Bakinu cloths are used in ceremonial wedding garments, ritual banners, and ceremonial wraps, with motifs often signaling clan, guild, or locality. Training remains communal, passing from elder weavers to apprentices. In recent years there has been a revival movement that couples traditional bakinu techniques with contemporary fashion and interior design, helping sustain the craft while expanding its reach.