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Weavers' Vernacular

The terminology used in describing and demonstrating the numerous steps in palm frond weaving must be understood in order to avoid confusion while learning this ancient art. The terms in the weavers' vernacular are given here so you can commit them to memory.

The COCONUT PALM FROND consists of the entire branch of the palm when cut from the tree near its trunk. This frond (Fig. 2) consists of a stem and many leaves.

The STEM is the hard center of the frond to which the leaves are attached.

The LEAVES are the long, thin, tapering growths from the stem. These leaves are thin pliable membranes having a hard pliable RIB extending their full length (Fig. 3). Young fronds are cream to light green in color and mature fronds a darker green.

Fig. 2. Coconut palm frond.

Fig. 3. Palm leaf.

The SPATHE is the tough covering of the flower stalk. It grows between the palm fronds and is round, long, and pointed.

The FLOWER STALK grows inside the spathe until it bursts free. The small male and larger female coconut seeds grow along its branches. The female nuts develop into large coconuts and are supported by the flower stalk until they mature and fall.

The PERIANTH is the petal-like sheath at the large end of the coconut.

PALM FIBER is the material-like growth around the trunk of the coconut palm tree and between the stems of the palm fronds.

Modern reference books define the parts of the tree differently. The frond, leaf, and stem are leaf, leaflet, and midrib respectively. However, the author believes it is clearer to use the terms as defined here.

RAFFIA is the ribbon-like fiber from the raffia palm. This is useful for tying baskets, hats, etc., during weaving. It is more appropriate to use a natural fiber when making palm frond articles than to substitute a piece of manufactured twine or string.

A LASHING is used to secure objects together.

A NOTCH is a small V-shaped cut in an object. It is used while weaving to lash two objects firmly, especially to secure the ends of the stem together.

A SPLICE in weaving is made by lapping a new strand or leaf alongside one which is almost woven into an item, then weaving both strands together until the shorter one is hidden in the weaving.

The term WEAVE has a very broad meaning: that is, to fabricate an article by interlacing (namely, to move to and fro, up and down, in an intricate course). Weaving with coconut palm fronds is an intricate type of weaving since the basic right-angle weave is seldom used. Instead, the weaving is in a circular manner, both right-handed and left-handed, that is, clockwise and counterclockwise. The palm frond stem is split lengthwise into two pieces. The stem of each piece is trimmed and formed into a circle—one left-handed and the other right-handed, as illustrated in Figure 4.

Fig. 4. Weaving direction.

The words PLAITING and BRAIDING are commonly interchangeable, implying the entwining of three or more strands into flat strips or ropelike strips. These strips are generally sewn together to make hats, baskets, and handbags.

MATTING is an all-inclusive term for all mats or matlike fabrics. This flat weave is useful in making place mats, sleeping mats, rugs, covering for shelters, and related articles.