alitarjo

Alitarjo is a traditional textile weaving technique and the corresponding geometric pattern produced by artisans in multiple coastal communities. The method combines a regular warp with supplementary weft elements to create multi-layered motifs. Fabrics produced with alitarjo are valued for their durability and the subtle three-dimensional texture achieved by varying thread tension and placement.

The name appears in regional weaving vocabularies; the etymology is unclear, but the term is used for both method and pattern. The practice is typically taught within community groups and preserved through generations of weavers.

The technique uses a regular warp with supplementary weft elements, commonly executed on backstrap and small frame looms. Motifs include diamonds, chevrons, and lattice-like interlocks. A contrasting color palette—often derived from natural dyes such as indigo, madder, and plant yellows—highlights the geometry. Weavers may employ additional weft threads to create relief elements that stand out from the fabric surface.

Historically, alitarjo textiles have been used in ceremonial garments, banners, and dowry textiles, and they continue to play a role in regional identity. Master weavers hold specialized knowledge and transmit patterns through apprenticeships. In contemporary practice, alitarjo motifs appear in fashion, home textiles, and educational workshops, balancing preservation with innovation.

Related topics include textile weaving, geometric textile motifs, and natural dye techniques.