In textiles there are pieces that stand out not only for their usefulness but for the stories and history they carry. The Tunsian fouta is one such piece; a versatile item that encapsulates centuries of craftsmanship and cultural heritage.
Originally, hand woven and worn throughout the Magreb as a wrap to cover the head and shoulders, or attached to the belt to form an apron, the fouta evolved over time into a staple of Tunisian households serving as a towel, a blanket or decorative cover or even a door curtain. In many ways the forefather to our modern day terry towels the fouta is still commonly used in Hamman and on the beach.
Traditionally always made of cotton, fouta today use yarn that has been recycled and respun from the fashion industry. No longer hand woven, they are produced on a mechanical loom but using a thick cotton thread selected for its absorbancy. The fringing is still all braided and knotted by hand.
Fouta can come in a range of patterns from brightly coloured stripes to more subtle honeycomb or dobby weaves. They are made from a course cotton designed to soften and become more absorbant over time. They are easier to wash and dry and supremely practical when travelling as they dry quickly and take very little room in your bag.
In a fast-paced world where trends come and go, the Tunisian fouta stands as a timeless object reminding us of the significance of embracing tradition in a rapidly changing world.