The remarkable cultural initiative Weaving Culture – The Longest Ñandutí in the World (Tejiendo Cultura – El Ñandutí Más Extenso del Mundo), is bringing together artisans from Paraguay and beyond to craft the longest piece of ñandutí lace ever made. This ambitious project unites over 300 weavers from countries including Paraguay, Argentina, Spain, Japan, and others, alongside associations of women artisans dedicated to the traditional craft.
The objective of the project is to weave a textile measuring 110 meters in length and five meters in width. It aims to surpass the current record which measures 103.96 square meters. This achievement is held since 2019 by Mexico’s Tenango de Doria embroidery,
Once completed, the record-breaking lace will be showcased in Asunción and Itauguá, the latter renowned as the City of Ñandutí. Plans are in place for the finished piece to tour nationally and internationally, serving as a symbol of Paraguay’s rich cultural heritage.
Ñandutí: A national identity
The project’s mission goes far beyond breaking a world record. At its core, it aims to make artisan work visible, boost cultural tourism, and create economic opportunities for weavers through their textile art. It also seeks to share the symbolic richness of ñandutí with the world.
Ñandutí is a traditional Paraguayan lace, handwoven on circular frames in patterns that resemble a spider’s web. Its name comes from Guaraní: ñandú (spider) and tí (white), meaning “white spider” and often referred to as a “spider’s web.”
Artisans use it in garments, religious ornaments, hats, and decorative items. Ñandutí reflects Paraguay’s culture, nature, and daily life. Each motif, often passed down through generations, carries unique artistic and cultural significance.
The challenge: design and production
The project started last month at the municipal headquarters of Itauguá. The event brought together over 120 in-person weavers and more than 100 virtual participants. They were from countries including Japan, Spain, Argentina, Ecuador, the United States, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico, England, and diverse regions of Paraguay.
The project team aims to craft a visually striking, weather-resistant and transportable piece for exhibition across cities in Paraguay and eventually worldwide. The conceptual focus centers on themes of fauna, flora, and spirituality, symbols that embody Paraguay’s natural and cultural richness.
The Technical Design and Production Commission established technical and aesthetic guidelines for the work. The standardised specifications include 60×60 cm frames, 55×55 cm canvases, and 50×50 cm designs. Weavers must use specific threads to ensure consistency and quality across all modules of the entire piece.
The organisers will compensate participating weavers for each approved module. The first four will be remunerated at Gs. 150,000 each (around US$ 19), and from the fifth onward, at Gs. 200,000 (US$ 26). All necessary materials will also be provided, underscoring the project’s commitment to valuing artisan labor, and supporting dignified working conditions.
International platform elevating Paraguayan textile
The world record event also marked the launch of the “Red Tejiendo Cultura”. The founders created this international platform to connect weaving communities and elevate Paraguayan textile art on a global scale. The platform is a private, artistic, and collaborative initiative led by Innovaciones Comerciales and the Ñandutí Association in Japan, with support from the Municipality of Itauguá.
Beyond this initiative, it serves as a space for connection, training, and empowerment for current and future generations of weavers.
Further reading: The Living Story Of Ñandutí In The Hands Of Norma Báez
