vekeré

Vekéré is a traditional textile weaving technique and the accompanying geometric pattern used in ceremonial garments by the Vekari people of the Veir Archipelago. The technique employs handloom work, typically on backstrap looms, producing fabrics with repeating modular motifs that often symbolize kinship and communal bonds. The term vekeré is derived from the Vekari language, where it is described as meaning woven light or banded fabric, though exact translations vary among communities.

Origins and history: Vekéré textiles are first documented in late 17th‑century ethnographic and trade records. They have long been central to ceremonial dress, including weddings, rites of passage, and harvest celebrations. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, production faced disruption from external pressures and modernization, but a revival movement among artisans and cultural organizations helped preserve and reinterpret the technique in the latter half of the 20th century and into the present.

Technique and motifs: Vekéré fabrics are typically woven with natural fibers such as cotton or flax, on two- to four-shaft looms. Common motifs include zigzags, chevrons, diamonds, and spirals arranged in horizontal bands. The color palette emphasizes indigo blues, earthy ochres, and ivory, with variations reflecting regional and familial identities.

Cultural significance and modern presence: The textiles are often regarded as communal property within extended kin networks and are used to signify status, lineage, and alliances. Today, vekeré exists within traditional practice and is also taught in craft workshops, showcased in exhibitions, and adapted by contemporary designers, helping to maintain its relevance in both heritage and markets.

See also: Textile arts, Weaving, Intangible cultural heritage.