Macramé in Colombian costumes
With the European arrival to the continent, macramé was introduced: a widely spread tradition in Latin America, learned from the Arab world.
By Museo de Trajes de la Universidad de América
María Alejandra Fuentes
Close-up of a Macrame Kerchief,Ñapanga de CaucaMuseo de Trajes de la Universidad de América
Inheritance from the East
The first macramé evidence comes from Assyria, more than 2500 years ago; it is a tradition that has been preserved for centuries and is part of the finishing of the pieces made on looms, typical in Arab countries.
Millenary tradition
Knots have been an essential part of history as they have been used to tie ropes and make nets; they are valuable in obtaining resources for various human groups.
Macramé is a technique that consists of forming pieces by tying knots in a group of threads in a continuous way; as a result, colorful geometric patterns are obtained. To this end, some supporting threads are used on which the traditional knots are tied: flat knot, lark knot, and scallop knot.
Close-up of a Fuchsia Macrame Kerchief,Ñapanga de PopayánMuseo de Trajes de la Universidad de América
The macramé journeys
With the Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula -which took place during the VIII century-the macramé technique arrived in Spain,spreading to other parts of Europe such as France and Italy.Over time,it became a traditional craft of the nuns,who sought to embellish the churches
Cordelería trenzada Siguas (400-700d.c) Perú.Museo de Trajes de la Universidad de América
Crossing the ocean
It is said that the Spaniards introduced this technique to America and that it was firmly linked to the Catholic traditions taught to the American settlers. These communities already knew cordage techniques, thus enriching the work.
In the collection, we can see shawls commonly used in the female costume during the XIX and part of the XX century. In most of them, we can see macramé as a finishing technique.
We also see macramé accessories, such as runners and placemats.
Whether for finishing garments or as a decorative element, macramé has been a widely learned and transmitted technique. Thanks to this, it will continue to be present in the wardrobe of people around the world.
