Weaving, an intricate art of interlacing threads to produce fabric, stands as one of humanity's oldest and most foundational technologies. This paper delves into the rich tapestry of weaving's history, tracing its origins from the rudimentary hand-spun techniques of ancient civilizations to the sophisticated mechanized processes of the modern era. Through the ages, weaving has not only served as a means of producing clothing and shelter but has also held deep cultural, social, and economic significance. The narrative highlights key developments, innovations, and the global diffusion of weaving techniques, underscoring its pivotal role in shaping societies and fostering cross-cultural exchanges. Furthermore, this exploration touches upon the revival of traditional weaving practices in contemporary contexts, emphasizing the enduring legacy and relevance of this age-old craft in the contemporary world.
Topic 1 History-of-Weaving-Power Point Presentation
1. History of Weaving
Weaving is acknowledged as one of the oldest surviving crafts in the
world. The tradition of weaving traces back to Neolithic times -
approximately 12,000 years ago.
Some of the first body covering s resembling clothing were in the
form of sheep fleece and animal hides. These were thought to
have been worn during the old stone age.
Great advancement occurred when the art of spinning and weaving
became known in Neolithic times.
Emergence of clothing took place as follows.
Body paints were used to adorn the self.
Animal skins and furs were draped around the body
Garments of Animal skins and furs were tailored to provide warmth
and physical mobility to the wearer.
Emergence of spinning and weaving produced textile fabrics which
were draped around the body
Tailored textile garments were produced.
2. •In early civilization, people were nomads.
•They needed homes that they knew would be temporary, but were still
secure.
•They used the resources they found in nature to weave what
supplies they could.
•They also wove walls, doors, rugs and hammocks.
• Once people began to settle and clothing started being made for more
than simply survival purposes, it began being created to
•Show Power
•Frighten the Enemy
•Social Approval or Social Status
3. Even before the actual process of weaving was discovered, the
basic principle of weaving was applied to interlace branches and
twigs to create fences, shelters and baskets for protection.
Humans used weaving to create baskets long before they used the
process to make cloth. Early baskets were probably made by
weaving grasses and plant materials around gourds to give them a
useful shape.
4. The excavations at Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro reveal that the
spinning wheel or the charkha was, bone needles and wooden
spindles were essential part of the sub-continental household.
It’s been found that fabric-making was an important part of people’s
lives even at the time when the Indus Valley Civilization flourished.
The Vedic Aryans and the Buddhists who settled in this region
after the Indus Valley Civilization also used the charkha. The entire
cloth-making process which was done by hand, involved great skill
Due to nature’s hazards of erosion, climatic conditions, insects and
fire, only few examples of early woven fabrics have survived.
The everyday needs of our prehistoric ancestors probably led them
to create objects using fibers as medium.
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7. Ancient human instinctively used weaving as an aid in their quest
for basic needs of food, shelter and clothing.
The idea of weaving came in ancient human by observing spider’s
web, birds nest, or a construction of beaver’s dam.
Twining and braiding technique were also be used by primitive
people to make mats to cover the floors of huts which helped in
insulation against dampness or cold.
Archeologists believe that basket making
and weaving were probably the first
“Crafts "developed by humans.
Eventually people used weaving skills
to make exterior coverings for shelters so
that they would be somewhat protected
from harsh weather or from predators.
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10. During the Neolithic Era mankind developed great skill in weaving
cloth. Every household produced cloth for their own needs.
Weaving cloth remained an activity associated with the family unit
for thousands of years. By the 11th century many of the weaving
patterns used today had been invented.