Rummets

Rummets are ceremonial textile panels produced by the Vaelran culture of the Archipelago of Maelis in the fictional world of Eldoria. The term is of Vaelran origin and denotes memory tapestries used in major rites. Panels typically measure 60–90 cm square, with larger pieces made for high ceremonies. They are woven from wool and cotton on a backstrap loom; some variants incorporate silk or linen weft elements. Dyes derived from indigo, madder, and pomegranate rind yield deep, durable colors.

Motifs combine geometric patterns with natural symbols, representing kinship lines, navigational signs, and agricultural cycles. Rummets function as ritual memory, being displayed during weddings, initiation rites, and coastal ceremonies, and are often inherited, with each generation adding new panels to a family set.

Geographically, production centers are concentrated on the Islets of Tiran and nearby shores. Clans maintain specialist workshops and apprenticeship traditions through a guild-like structure. The craft has experienced revival since the late 20th century, aided by museums and contemporary artists who adapt traditional techniques for modern audiences while preserving symbolism and technique.

Historically, the earliest surviving rummets date to the 14th century, with accounts by voyagers in the 16th century describing etiquette around gifting rummets. In the modern era, concerns about cultural patrimony and fair trade have shaped contemporary production and exchange, encouraging respectful collaboration with descendant communities and ensuring that knowledge remains tied to its cultural context.