kaapelierille
Kaapelierille is a traditional textile technique once practiced by coastal communities around the Cape region of southern Africa. It is known for producing textured, ribbed fabrics with geometric patterns, typically woven in narrow widths for garments, scarves, and household textiles. The technique combines simple warp-weave with a supplementary weft design, allowing for intricate motifs without requiring complex tools.
Etymology: The term appears in regional ethnographic sources from the late 19th century. The first element
Technique: Weavers set up a frame loom or a portable backstrap loom. Warps consisted of natural fibers
Materials and dyes: Natural dyes, including indigo and plant-based yellows, were common. Finished textiles display repeated
History and status: Kaapelierille rose in coastal trading communities in the late 1800s, reached peak production