LA ROBA DE LLENGÜES

The hand-weaving tradition is maintained in small specialized studios

Among the most characteristic products of the artisanal textile industry in Majorca, the patterned cloth known as "roba de llengües" is perhaps the best known. Its artisanal, handcrafted fabrication involves preparing the warp with white cotton, as was the case in olden times, and later the cloth is dyed in sections with the chosen pattern. This is why roba de llengües has no back or front: both sides of the material have the same pattern and colours. This is how it is still made in Can Vicenç, (Galereis Vicenç, C/. del Calvari 10) in Pollença.

Those who wish to know the details of the process of artisanal manufacture, and would enjoy seeing a huge range of designs, are advised to visit the Museu Martí Vicenç in the town of Pollença itself.

The same tradition of weaving textiles of cotton or linen cloth lives on in Lloseta. Gabriel Riera's studio (Art Textil SL) at number 50, Carrer Major is still open for business. These craftsmen produce a wide range of textiles. Can Riera has almost a century of tradition behind it and in 1985 was recognised as a "protected artisanal business" by the Ministry of Industry and Power.

In Santa Maria del Camí the place to visit is Artesenia Textil Bujosa at 53, Calle Sant Bernat de Santa Eugènia. The company was founded in 1949.