Uruguay · Textile / Fiber Jewelry

Fiber-Wrapped Tapestry Jewelry (Wrapping Technique)

Wrapping (loanword used on the artisan's own platform profile)

A contemporary Uruguayan jewelry technique in which artisan Natalia Cantarelli winds mixed fibers (wool, cotton, ribbon) around a wire or cord armature to build a small tapestry-like wrapped coil, then layers hand-embroidered floret motifs and silver or copper elements onto the wrapped base to complete necklaces, earrings, and brooches.

Risk level: Vulnerable · Not inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List; Uruguay is a State Party to the 2003 ICH Convention

Alternate Names
Envoltura textil; tapiz enrollado
Geographic Center
Uruguay (specific city not stated in available sourcing — flagged for follow-up)
Community / Ethnic Group
Not applicable — individual contemporary studio practice
Estimated Origin
Contemporary; the practitioner describes wrapping as her own creative starting-point technique, with no historical lineage claimed in available sourcing
Cultural Function
Wearable art / ornamental jewelry and accessories
Primary Materials
Mixed fibers (wool, cotton), wrapping cord/wire armature, silver, copper
Primary Tools
Hands, wrapping cord/wire, embroidery needle
Process Overview
Wind selected fibers around a cord or wire armature to build a tapestry-like wrapped coil; embellish with hand-embroidered floret motifs and silver/copper elements; assemble into finished jewelry piece.
Traditional Applications
None documented — a contemporary individual technique with no traditional or historical application on record
Contemporary Applications
Necklaces, earrings, brooches, and bracelets sold as small-collection art jewelry
Notable Practitioners
Natalia Cantarelli, Uruguay — jewelry, bijouterie, and general accessories artisan working in metal, stone, and other materials, with a signature wrapping-based tapestry technique as her creative starting point
Key References
artesaniauruguay.uy artisan profile (Natalia Cantarelli)
Verification Status
Desk-Researched

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