ngjizura

Ngjizura is a traditional bamboo lattice craft practiced in the Andari highlands, a rural region characterized by extensive river valleys and forest resources. It encompasses both the production of decorative panels and functional screens used in homes, granaries, and public buildings. The technique is notable for its strength, lightness, and geometric patterns.

Etymology: The term ngjizura comes from the Andari language, where it is commonly interpreted as "woven wall" or "interlaced screen."

History: Documentation of ngjizura appears in village records from the 18th century and in ethnographic surveys of the 19th and 20th centuries. It is associated with skilled craft families who pass techniques through generations. The craft spread across river settlements through trade and marriage networks.

Construction and design: The process begins with the selection of straight bamboo canes, which are cured, split into slats, and laid on a rectangular loom frame. Interlacing methods create a lattice, with common patterns including diamonds and triangles. After weaving, the panels are treated with natural oils to improve weather resistance and durability.

Variants and patterns: Some regions favor dense weaves for privacy; others use more open patterns for airflow during hot seasons. Panels serve as doors, windows, room dividers, or exterior screens. In ceremonial spaces, ngjizura panels may be carved with motifs tied to local myths.

Contemporary status: Today, ngjizura is preserved through community workshops and cultural programs. Makers collaborate with designers to produce decorative panels for architecture and furniture, often marketed to tourists. Preservation efforts emphasize traditional methods, sustainable materials, and transmission to younger artisans.