Bashofu Project
Weaveaerth has also participated in a project launched by the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) to spin and weave banana thread into final products (clothing). As hemp material professionals, we will provide support.
Bashofu producers are getting older and there is a lack of successors . If this continues, the traditional culture of this fiber will be in danger of being passed down. It is said that there are more than 23 steps in the production of Bashofu, and among them, spinning (spinning thread) is the most difficult.
Supported by OIST's latest technology
Can we use the latest technology to support this bottleneck in the spinning process? This is the major issue for our most recent project.
In addition, our project is not just about "preserving traditional fibers"; it also requires business sustainability, as we aim to create a market that effectively utilizes Basho fiber, a plant fiber that has been cultivated in the lives of the Ryukyu Islands, by turning it into everyday clothing for modern times.
Basho, like hemp and linen, is a "fiber for daily life" for human beings. I think that recovering this fiber, which was likely cultivated in a small community, will help to regenerate local ties.
(Photo shows exhibits at Okinawa Crafts Forest)
Sustainable natural fibres
I also feel that the ancient spinning and weaving techniques have a lot to offer us today. In today's world, environmentally friendly fashion is a major issue. I believe this project will shed light on many new realizations.
I am excited about the project finally getting underway in earnest.
The thumbnail photo in the title shows the hand weaving loom at Koro Kobo on Iriomote Island.
(to be continued)
Daitoh
