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FOL LOW / My k o n o s THE LIVING LOOM

In Mykonos, an ancient craft finds its way back into the present

through the programme “The Revival of the Ancient Greek Art of
Weaving in 21st-century Mykonos,” with the support of “Cycladic

Identity,” the initiative of the Museum of Cycladic Art.

For Faye Chatzi, Artist & Textile Craft Designer, the value of the
handmade lies not only in the final object, but in the process
itself, in the patience, knowledge and sense of continuity
it teaches. Through the support of “Cycladic Identity,” she
notes, the project was able to approach Mykonos’ weaving
tradition as both cultural heritage and a contemporary field of In Mykonos, weaving has been a language As Theano Agaloglou, Project Manager of “Cycladic Identity,”
education, creativity and community participation. of everyday life, a gesture passed from one generation to the notes, “cultural heritage does not belong only to the past. It is a
next, carrying within it the memory of place, labour, patience living force, capable of carrying knowledge, memory and inspi-
and identity. The phrase “You and your spindle!”, still heard on ration from one generation to another.” Through weaving, she
the island, speaks of this deep-rooted relationship between the adds, “a more meaningful and sustainable way of connecting
people of Mykonos and the art of the loom. with place, creation and the authentic identity of the Cyclades
Today, this heritage is being revisited through the programme is brought to light.” Once essential to the production of clothing,
“The Revival of the Ancient Greek Art of Weaving in 21st-century household textiles and dowries, weaving was historically tied to
Mykonos,” implemented by the Folklore Collection of Mykonos women’s work, domestic life, nature, mythology and local tradi-
with the support of “Cycladic Identity,” the initiative of the Mu- tion. Today, it returns as a creative practice with new meaning.
seum of Cycladic Art. Now in its third year, “Cycladic Identity” has For artist and textile craft designer Faye Chatzi, weaving carries
already supported 26 programmes across 15 Cycladic islands, “time, memory and the knowledge of a place.” In an age of speed
focusing on culture, biodiversity and intangible cultural heritage. and mass production, she sees the handmade as more essential
The project follows the entire process of weaving, from the care than ever, especially for younger generations. Through contact
of animals and the preparation of raw materials to the creation with materials, techniques and the stories behind them, weaving
of the final textile. It also includes the production of a short docu- becomes a way of learning patience, sustainability and the value
mentary, the construction and use of an authentic wooden loom of process. In Mykonos, an island often seen through the lens of
of ancient type, the collection of local stories and testimonies, movement and modernity, the revival of weaving reminds us that
educational programmes for students, workshops for adults and tradition survives not when it is simply preserved, but when it is
children, and an exhibition presenting the results. touched, practiced and reimagined. •

Photo: Christos Drazos

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