Útel Rugs

Among the Útels of Ela'k Forest in western Dragonía, people sit on special rugs at home when eating or sleeping around the hearth, with the only exception being the oldest persons in the household, who get to sit on a bench and have their own bedroom instead. In most places, the rugs are traditionally replaced every year and the older ones variously used for accommodating visitors, to dry food on or for working outside, assuming they are still in good shape.

Manufacturing process

Útel rugs are woven either out of reeds or rabbit wool, with the former being more popular among the Faþilítans, Valúnites and Þandans and the latter more commonly used by the Kaiqons, Vehals and Þebels. They are produced by members of the basket-weavers' caste, fólap-naa, and those belonging to the tailors' caste or tanla-naa, respectively, using similar tools and techniques as for crafting baskets and cloaks.
Certain designs are peculiar to different regions or even individual settlements of Ela'k Forest, some of which date back to the Alalaríans while others are inspired by patterns used by other cultures such as Ameders and Jaarels.

History

The ancient Alalaríans, ancestors of the Útels, used animal -especially ölan panther or marsh boar- skins and reed mats in much the same way as modern rugs, as well as for ceremonies such as sacred dances or to present offerings to the ancestors and nature spirits. They were sometimes lavishly decorated with beads and featherwork, especially those belonging to chiefs.

Significance

In addition to their practical uses, these rugs have various symbolic meanings to the Útels. The different designs and colours allow them to express themselves, and they are used to teach children to take good care of their belongings, as having a stained or damaged rug is considered a disgrace.
The placement around the hearth also indicates a person's status within the household, with children sitting close to the entrance and progressively older family members being closer to the elders' bench, though honoured guests are allowed to sit beside the bench as well.