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The art of weaving loom in the Chianti region
The weaving on the loom has very ancient origins, even Homer tells us about it in the Odyssey about Penelope and Ulysses. Of this millenary art, one of the first activities to give women the privilege of work, also playing an important role of social aggregation, we have testimonies dating back to 3000-2500 BC: cave paintings showing the elementary technology used by horizontal looms, with terracotta weights to keep the fibers in tension.
Even here in Chianti region the art of weaving loom has been practiced for centuries, and today it is at the center of a real renaissance, a particular merit of the younger generations who are rediscovering and enhancing it.
Handmade creations
Over time, machinery has changed, becoming more sophisticated, but the work on the loom has continued to require wisdom and patience. In its most traditional forms, it has remained an artisan activity able to give unique satisfaction, letting you perceive the making of the creations fruit of the imagination and skill of the craft worker.
In traditional looms, in fact, the weaving process begins with the “weaving”, with which the threads are passed one by one through the strands and comb of the loom. On a rear cylinder, called the cloth beam, the wires of the warp are wound. Then there is a wooden tool with a tapered shape, the flying shuttle, containing the thread fuse, which is “thrown” from one side of the warp to the other to create the weft.
By pulling the comb towards you, the fabric compacts and the orthogonal threads come closer. The frame is also equipped with pedals, anchored to the wood with ropes, to move the yarns on different levels thanks to the strands. One line of fabric after another, the garment takes shape.
Natural artworks
Each product is unique, handmade as if by an artist. And as in an original work of art, it is good to leave some details visible – almost decorative motifs – to immediately perceive the value of the artifact. Of course, every creation is made using natural fibers and yarns.
Explore WeHike’s experiences discovering the artisan traditions of Chianti.
