Another new book and several small cords

When I visited Jokkmokk last February before the pandemic, I had arranged a visit to the Ájtte Museum. The librarian kindly found all the weaving books about Sami weaving for me.  Among these lovely books was one which had been published recently. 

It is a large hardback book. (approx 10 inches x 12 inches; 30 x 24.75 cms). 223 pages. Published in 2018.

https://www.gavpi.org/

https://www.gavpi.org/handboker/1519-oahpa-cuoldit.html

I ordered it from this web site, the Samisk Litteratursente, and it was delivered quickly, however, the postal charges to the UK were high.  It was worth it.  They accept credit card payments. 

There are detailed instructions in pictures so that the language barrier is overcome. Each band pattern is on a separate page with a detailed picture and weaving chart. It is wonderful to see the care with which the traditional weaving heritage is being recorded for the present generation.  

I hope that the publishers will not object to my reproducing  a double page spread. You can see how carefully the process is explained in pictures. 

There is a small section about plaiting.  I have been weaving material to make simple bags for equipment and I have started to make a series of ties. Here is one from this book on page 61.

Four end plait

This plait has four ends at the start. The centre two cross over then the sequence is easy.

Left strand under one

Right strand over one, under one

Left strand over one

Right strand under one, over one.

A Five Strand plait

Here is an old plait from Durham. 

Here is the finished plait. 

Here is the completed bag tie

This small bag is ideal for my lucet. I have been following the wonderful online tutorial from Ziggy  Rytka on the Braids and Bands io group. https://groups.io/g/braidsandbands 

Here is one of my lucetted cords. 

I have also started (very late) the loop braiding workshop with Jean Leader.  Great notes and details of how to loop braid.  I am hoping to make some cords for these small bags in a variety of techniques. 

Ramesses Girdle Plait.

Here is a lovely plait on the end of the Ramesses girdle. This pattern is very old as the girdle dates from 1185 BCE.  It is also interesting because no-one has ever commented on the pattern of the plait. Researchers seem to have been fixed on the girdle itself - which is a weaving marvel - and not the simple patterned band at one end and the plaits at the other. This particular pattern in red white and blue, is also used on Sámi bands. It has a long history.

The plait has 8 ends: 2 red, 2 blue and 4 white. 

Happy plaiting

Susan J Foulkes  May 2021

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