Ethnotextile

Ethnotextile refers to textiles that embody the cultural identity, traditions, and socio‑historical contexts of a particular people or community. The term combines “ethno,” meaning relating to ethnic groups, with “textile,” and is commonly used in anthropology, museum studies, and craft research to describe fabrics that serve functional, symbolic, or ceremonial purposes within a society.

Key characteristics of ethnotextiles include distinctive motifs, weaving techniques, or dyeing methods that are passed down through generations. These textiles can be garments, ceremonial attire, household items, or decorative objects. Patterns often encode stories, cosmologies, or social hierarchies, while the choice of materials—such as natural fibers, plant dyes, or recycled fibers—frequently reflects the ecological environment of the community.

Examples are found worldwide. In West Africa, Kente cloth from Ghana features bright geometric designs that symbolize history and moral values. In South America, the Andean weavers use alpaca wool to produce textiles that feature depictions of local deities and reflect seasonal changes. Indigenous North American groups produce specific bark cloths, panels, and basketry panels that tell kinship histories and territorial claims.

The study of ethnotextiles involves a combination of textile analysis, archaeological context, oral histories, and modern digital technologies such as high‑resolution imaging and 3D modeling. Scholars often collaborate with community members to document techniques, negotiate access to culturally significant pieces, and discuss the ethical implications of repatriation or commercial use. Ethnotextile research offers insights into social organization, economic networks, and cultural continuity, making it an essential component of the broader field of cultural heritage studies.