The weaving of tongues, declared an intangible cultural heritage asset: "It is a Mallorcan symbol"

PalmThe Consell de Mallorca has declared the traditional production technique of "tela de lenguas" (language cloth) as an asset of intangible cultural interest (BICIM), with the aim of protecting, preserving, and guaranteeing the continuity of this living heritage deeply rooted in Mallorcan identity.

The technique, known as ikat, consists of dyeing the threads before weaving and constitutes a unique cultural manifestation that is kept alive thanks to the island's traditional workshops.

The elaboration process is completely artisanal and includes phases such as dyeing with reserves, warping, and weaving, which require great skill and specialized knowledge passed down from generation to generation. The technique has been documented in Mallorca since the 18th century and has historically been present in domestic settings, as well as in clothing and representative spaces.

Currently, the production is kept alive thanks to family workshops such as Teixits Vicens, Teixits Riera, and Artesania Tèxtil Bujosa, which preserve traditional processes and adapt the product to contemporary uses. Furthermore, "tela de lenguas" has had a notable projection in areas such as design and fashion, consolidating itself as a dynamic element of Mallorca's cultural heritage.

With this declaration, safeguard measures are promoted, including the promotion, dissemination, and support for artisan workshops, as well as initiatives to guarantee the authenticity of the product and combat the competition of imitations.

The vice-president and minister of Culture and Heritage, Antònia Roca, has highlighted that "'tela de lenguas' is not just an artisanal product, but a symbol shared by all of Mallorcan society, present in daily life, in decoration, in fashion, and in our visual culture." She also emphasized that "with this declaration, we take a decisive step to ensure that it is passed on to future generations and to protect it against threats such as industrial imitations."

The president of the Consell de Mallorca, Llorenç Galmés, has remarked that "this declaration represents a recognition of one of the most emblematic elements of our culture and of the work of the artisans who have managed to keep this craft alive for generations."

In the same session, the Mallorcan rondallas have been officially declared an intangible cultural heritage asset, before the ratification in the Plenary Session of the Consell de Mallorca, in recognition of their value as an essential manifestation of the oral tradition and cultural heritage of the island.