Pitt Rivers Museum
Oxford
Band Weaving Workshop: an exploration of early heddles
Friday 3rd October 2025 OR Saturday 4th October 2025,
10.00 - 16.00
Here is the link for details. Band Weaving Workshop
You can register direct with the museum.
In my 2011 survey of heddles existing from the Roman era, I listed nine in European museums. Since then the number of reported finds has risen to twelve. Three heddles are incomplete, but the final size of nine can be determined. Some of the Roman examples feature additional holes that are not present in modern examples but do appear on a Swedish medieval heddle of 1350 – 1500CE. Two heddles are known from Bryggen Norway dated 1248 – 1352CE.
These three heddles are the first examples of rigid heddles in the archaeological record after the Roman era.
The collection of heddles in the Pitt Rivers museum shows the variety in use during the 19th and early 20th century. The comparison between these and the Roman examples in the workshop demonstrates the unusual form of the Roman heddles. The range of narrow bands that can be woven using modern heddles will be illustrated revealing the limitations of the Roman finds.
We will explore the range of bands that can be woven on two reproduction Roman heddles including tubular weaving. A backstrap will be used. Participants will be able to continue their own exploration after the workshop. The booklet will contain instructions, additional patterns and references.
Each participant will receive: information handouts, a backstrap cord, one shuttle, two reproduction Roman heddles, three warps and weft, and other small items need for weaving. This enables weaving to be continued at home.
Foulkes, S J (2011) Roman Rigid Heddles: a Survey, Archaeological Textiles Newsletter, 52, pages 41 – 47
Susan J Foulkes February 2025
No comments:
Post a Comment
All comments are moderated before being posted. There will be a slight delay before your message appears.