húžva (vŕbové prútie)

Húžva is a traditional Slovak term for a narrow, long, flexible strip of bast, bark, or wood obtained from trees—most commonly willow, hazel, linden, or birch. It is a natural material traditionally used for tying, weaving, and making various utility objects. The term can also refer to split stems of cattail twisted into a three-strand cord, which was commonly used in folk crafts for binding and simple rope-making. Because of its flexibility and durability, húžva was an important material in traditional rural craftsmanship.