palankesn

Palankesn is a traditional craft and ceremonial festival in the fictional Palankian culture of the Lirren Archipelago. The term denotes both the annual weaving of a ceremonial tapestry and the festival during which the work is presented. The etymology is commonly attributed to Palankian roots pala- meaning together and kesn meaning weave.

Core practice involves the communal creation of a tapestry or textile panel, typically stored for a year and displayed during the festival. Materials are sourced from local plants and fibers, and patterns depict myths, genealogies, and ecological knowledge. The process emphasizes cooperation across generations, with youths preparing fibers, adults setting patterns, and elders offering oral histories.

During the festival, participants sing, play drums and horns, and enact a weaving circle dance that symbolizes continuity. The finished tapestry is unveiled at dusk, after which portions are shared with households and used in subsequent rites.

Historically, Palankesn is said to have originated in a pact among clans to ensure social harmony after drought. In modern contexts, Palankesn has been revived as a cultural heritage practice supported by regional councils and craft cooperatives.