May I inspire you to go and see an exhibition in Palma de Mallorca before January 10th, 2010? Flàmules is a historic name for the beautiful Mallorcan fabrics now known as Teles de Llengües (Castellano: Telas de Lenguas). The exhibition shows materials that are woven in an ancient technique similar to that of Ikat. The Lenguas fabrics form part of the island’s cultural heritage and are, in a way, in acute danger of disappearance. If you like Mallorcan traditions, you will be intrigued by some of the beautiful patterns presented in this superb show, some of which are rather old and some of which originate from the Orient and from Africa (Turkey, Persia, Indonesia, China, Kenya etc.). The lavishly illustrated catalogue is brilliantly edited and contains some competent and well written texts, but unfortunately does not offer any English translations.

The fish pattern in the photo (top) is a contemporary design by the renowned Felanitx artist, Miquel Barceló.

Flàmules, les teles de llengües a Mallorca, at the Casal Solleric (Passeig des Born, 27), Tuesday to Saturday 10h30-13h45 and 17h30-21h00, Sunday 10h00-14h00. Admission is free.

The photos were taken in Palma de Mallorca, Baleares, Spain. The date: December 4th, 2009. The time was 13:39:05 and 13:41:53, respectively.