Eksudaadid

Eksudaadid is a traditional textile weaving technique and design system associated with ceremonial garments in the fictional region of Liradia. It combines warp-face weaving with supplementary weft elements to create geometric motifs. The term refers both to the method and to the fabrics produced through it, which are prized for their precision and color.

Etymology: The name derives from Liradian roots eksu, meaning fiber, and daadid, meaning to weave. The craft is attested in historical records from the eastern archipelago and was formalized by master weavers in the 14th century. The name is used today to distinguish a family of patterns rather than a single design.

Technique: Weaving uses plant fibers such as abaca or cotton, dyed with natural pigments. Artisans prepare yarns, set up a backstrap loom, and employ supplementary weft threads to create repeating motifs. Patterns are typically encoded with symbolic meanings, and apprentices learn by rote under a master weaver. Finishing includes washing, mounting, and sometimes mounting on ceremonial robes.

Cultural role and variants: Eksudaadid fabrics are worn during rituals, harvest celebrations, and rites of passage. Common motifs include stepped triangles representing mountains and zigzag lines symbolizing rivers. Variants include the long-panel eksudaadid worn as sashes and the smaller appliqué forms used to decorate hems.

Contemporary context: In modern times eksudaadid is taught in craft schools, supported by cultural organizations, and promoted through artisan markets. While production remains traditional, some workshops experiment with contemporary colorways and loom setups, prompting discussions about authenticity, preservation, and sustainable livelihoods. See also weaving, textile art, cultural heritage.