Bashofu is a traditional Okinawan textile woven from yarn that artisans make by hand from basho plant fibers, a process requiring considerable time and specialized skills. As part of the Okinawa Yarn Project, led by Hitomi Shinzato, a spinning device was developed to turn natural fibers such as basho fibers into yarn. Unlike handmade yarn, which is used exclusively by artisans, the yarn the device produces is even enough for automated weaving machines.
The current project aims to redesign the device, so it is safer, faster, more affordable, and easier to manufacture, operate, and repair. The redesigned device could make the spinning step more accessible, increase yarn production, and encourage younger generations to take an interest in working with natural materials.
It could also promote the wider use of locally available materials, including fibers from banana plants that might otherwise be discarded, while supporting local textile production and collaboration with manufacturers and cultural organizations.
