By Jeff Burns
Weaving
threads into cloth is older than civilization itself, dating back to
Paleolithic times with impressions of woven textiles found at the Dolní Věstonice site in the Czech Republic dating back to
26,000 BC, By biblical times, weaving
was practiced around the world and appears in the art, history and mythology of
all civilizations. In ancient Egypt,
linen and flax were woven on two person looms, and silk was woven in China by
3500 BC. In Greek mythology, Athena, the
vain goddess of wisdom and crafts gifted mankind with the knowledge of weaving
and found herself challenged and defeated in a weaving contest with
Arachne. Of course, unwilling to accept
defeat, she promptly turned Arachne into a spider in revenge. As technology advanced, weaving became the
driving force of the industrial revolution across Europe and in the United
States.
The
Chattahoochee Handweavers Guild in Atlanta is an organization of about 150 fiber artists who practice all different
varieties of weaving. The Guild hosts an
annual Open House and demonstrations, and my wife, whose dream is to learn
weaving herself, and I attended.
Enthusiasts were on hand to demonstrate spinning and weaving on hand
looms, card looms (Dating back to ancient Egypt, this system uses hole-punched
cards to manipulate the threads and make the weave. This technology led to hole-punched data
cards that eventually led to computers.), and larger looms.
The
handweavers were extremely friendly and knowledgeable, and their skill and
artistry were amazing. However, the
focus of the event was not showing off their prowess. They were happy to share
their hobby and passion. There were lots of hands-on opportunities for curious
beginners and lots of advice on how to get started, and we learned things we
didn’t know about the history of weaving.
It was a great event for hobbyists, artists, and history buffs alike.
There
are probably similar groups in your own area.
Go out and look them up!
