yaklam

Yaklam is a traditional textile pattern and the weaving technique used to produce fabrics associated with the Yakli people of the northern highlands. The design is characterized by geometric motifs reminiscent of mountain silhouettes, rivers, and night skies. Yaklam fabrics are typically used for robes, belts, and ceremonial banners, valued for their durability and tactile depth.

The technique employs a hand loom with three to four shafts. Weavers prepare wool from local sheep or yak-like animals and blend it with plant fibers such as flax or nettle to improve strength and texture. Dyes are plant- and mineral-based, yielding a palette that ranges from ochre and indigo to muted crimson. The pattern arises from a controlled interlacing of warp and weft, with supplementary weft threads creating a raised, decorative effect.

Historically, Yaklam emerged in the medieval period in the Yakli homeland and circulated through regional exchange networks. The craft declined in the early modern era as industrial textiles spread, but was revived in the mid-20th century through cooperative workshops and craft schools.

Cultural significance: Yaklam motifs are tied to communal identity and are featured in rites of passage, weddings, and festival attire. The patterns encode symbolic meanings—mountain strength, river continuity, and celestial protection—that are passed down orally and through apprenticeship. In contemporary times, Yaklam remains an emblematic regional craft, practiced by a growing number of artisans who blend traditional methods with contemporary design.