The object of this work was to study indigenous braiding as a theoretical and formal reference for creating surface designs. When working on the proposal to develop surface designs with an ethnic reference, a counterpoint is sought to the current complacency of the Brazilian furniture industry, where the standard of aesthetics and, above all, of "good form" is simply imported from the European market. Therefore, a design that incorporates a part of Brazilian culture - indigenous braiding - and the valorisation of natural resources - working with certified wood or production leftovers - has great application possibilities and good prospects of generating greater added value for the product.