Nibutani-attus fabrics/ Hokkaido traditional crafts

In the valley of the Saru River, in Hokkaido, there is a tradition since the Edo period of creating cloth and textiles based on tree bark, made by the Ainu , a group of indigenous people from Japan who live in Hokkaido, the prefecture most northern.

These fabrics are known as Nibutani-attus created from yarn made from the inner skin of the bark of Ulmus laciniata , or lobed elm , and other trees that grow in the forests of the Sarugawa River basin. It is distinguished in particular by the twist that is given to the thread. Nibutani-attus is characterized by its excellence in being waterproof and breathable , as well as its durability (a rare feature in natural fabrics) and also by its unique texture. Textiles are often made into kimono (which are also known as attus ), Hanten short coat, Obi belts , and small items from fashion to interior items.

It can be said that the Attus is a craft in which a long relationship between nature and human beings is intertwined. The particularity of these fabrics is that the longer you use it, the softer it becomes, with a unique texture of natural fibers. In March 2013, Nibutani-attus was the first Hokkaido product to be designated a ” traditional craft ” by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

The bark of the ulmus laciniata and the tilia japonica are peeled and processed, and separated into 2 mm wide threads. The threads are tied in the weaver’s knots and twisted, then stretched and twisted, and then woven on a loom from a seated position.

 

When you visit Hokkaido you must not forget to buy some clothing or item made of Attus fabric! They are fabrics made with the benefits of nature!