Ties that bind
Natural fibers link communities in the Amazon with the world
China Daily Global | Updated: 2026-03-23 09:16
The process, unchanged for generations, begins deep in the flood plain forest, where the plants are cut by hand. The stalks are then entrusted to the river itself, submerged for up to 15 days in a practice known as retting. The dark waters work slowly, softening the tough outer layer so the resistant fiber beneath can be released.
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