tloukami
Tloukami is a traditional textile technique practiced by artisans of the coastal communities on the fictional Avaran Archipelago. It combines weaving and embroidery on handloom fabrics to produce multilayered patterns that carry symbolic meaning as well as decorative value. The technique emphasizes manual skill, careful color pairing, and precise finishing, resulting in textiles that are both durable and visually intricate.
Etymology. The term tloukami derives from the Avaran language and is commonly translated as “woven memory” or
Technique. Tloukami typically employs a backstrap or standing loom. Weaving uses multiple colors and sometimes metallic
History. The practice is documented in regional textile traditions dating back several centuries. Historically, plant-based fibers
Cultural significance and contemporary status. Tloukami textiles are used in ceremonial garments, wedding shawls, and dowry
Variants. Regional styles differ in motif vocabulary and color schemes, but common elements include tide-inspired patterns