Pilaantui

Pilaantui is a traditional communal weaving practice described in the fictional Aruni culture of the Silvaran archipelago. It refers to the creation of large woven mats and ceremonial banners used in daily life and ritual gatherings. The term is said to derive from Aruni roots meaning weave and gathering, reflecting its role in marking seasonal events and communal milestones.

Mats are typically woven from pandanus leaves and prepared reed fibers on a communal loom, with each participant responsible for a section. Patterns are passed down through generations and may incorporate geometric motifs that symbolize genealogies, rivers, or harvests. Finishing touches include edge braiding and the application of natural dyes derived from local plants.

Culturally, pilaantui spaces often occupy central community areas during ceremonies. Mats serve both practical and symbolic functions, providing seating and acting as portable altars for offerings. The craft is traditionally taught by elder weavers to apprentices over several seasons and is considered a sign of communal cohesion. In modern times, pilaantui has faced competition from synthetic textiles, prompting museum exhibitions and community-led preservation projects.

Geographically, pilaantui was historically concentrated on the coastal islands of Liyan and Kora and influenced neighboring communities through trade routes. Contemporary practice is uneven, with the strongest continuity in elder-led villages and in tourist-focused cultural programs that aim to preserve techniques and motifs for future generations.

See also: weaving, ceremonial textiles, traditional crafts.