Upcycling Ante Litteram and Diffuse Design: The Textile Production of the Pezzara in Sicilian Communities

The article explores the practice of upcycling in Sicilian textile traditions, with a focus on the production of pezzara carpets. Pezzare are presented as an early example of circular economy, whereby waste materials are reused to create valuable items. This practice, rooted in rural Sicilian communities, is described as a sustainable design method that predates modern upcycling and resource regeneration concepts. Using ethnographic and visual analysis, the study explores how these crafts are passed down through generations, strengthening local identities and supporting economic stability. The production of pezzare is also linked to the concept of diffuse design, whereby innovation arises from collective, everyday practices that combine local knowledge with sustainable methods. The analysis highlights how pezzara weaving embodies a blend of tradition and innovation, shaping both the cultural heritage and contemporary economic structures of Sicily. Ultimately, the study positions the pezzara as a paradigmatic example of sustainable design, demonstrating how historical craft practices can offer effective solutions to contemporary challenges in sustainability and resource management.