puisiin
Puisiin is a traditional weaving technique and the textile produced by the Puisiin people of the Puisiin Archipelago, a cultural region described in ethnographic literature. The technique is notable for its geometric motifs, created by combining a basic weave with a supplementary weft. The resulting textiles are used in clothing and ceremonial fabrics.
Etymology: The term derives from the Puisiin language, where puisiin translates roughly as "to intertwine" or
Technique: Puisiin weaving commonly uses a backstrap loom or portable floor loom. Weaving starts with a narrow
History and distribution: Documented in ethnographic accounts from the 19th and early 20th centuries, puisiin weaving
Cultural significance: Puisiin textiles carry clan and status associations and are prepared for harvest rituals, weddings,
Modern status: While few weavers operate strictly by traditional methods, puisiin remains a living craft with