leques

Leques is the Portuguese plural form for handheld fans, with leque as the singular. In Lusophone regions, the term refers to the traditional folding fans used for cooling, signaling social status, and as decorative objects. The word leque derives from Portuguese, and while the concept exists in many cultures, leques in Portugal and Brazil have developed distinctive styles tied to regional art and fashion.

A leque typically features a frame of ribs connected by a pivot and a leaf attached to the ribs. Ribs are commonly wood, bamboo, or bone; leaves are paper, silk, or fabric. Folding leques can be opened and closed; fixed, unfurling fans exist as ceremonial pieces. Decorative elements include painting, lacquer, inlay, or gilding.

Historical context: Folding fans arrived in Europe through trade routes in the late medieval period; in Lusophone contexts, they became popular among nobility and merchants, and by the 18th and 19th centuries they spread as fashionable accessories. They appear in colonial-era wardrobes and performances, reflecting social and artistic trends of their time.

Contemporary usage: Today leques are collected as antiques, produced as souvenirs, or used in traditional dances and theater. Museums preserve historic examples; contemporary designers experiment with materials like lightweight composites or digital prints.

See also: Hand fan; Abanico; Lusophone culture.