12/26/2023 0 Comments Bhutan backstrap loom![]() This is the backstrap, and it is actually the most important part of the loom. Take a closer look at Pleh's waist and the simple tie anchoring her to the loom. If you are like me, you may think that if you were to understand and master the elements shown, you would be able to successfully weave on this loom. The photos above show the loom itself and many of the essential pieces for weaving (loom bars, sheds, shed rod, heddle stick, shuttle, sword/beater.and no I am not making these names up). Having just watched Pleh's deft hands working the loom, mine felt (and looked) extremely clumsy and out of place. There were a lot of sticks protruding everywhere, several spools of thread strewn about, and an almost sinister looking strap that was quickly fastened behind my back. On a visit with Thread Spun employee, Pleh, I was lucky enough to (attempt to) learn.Īt first glance, I was immediately overwhelmed. ![]() Until very recently, I was a member of this majority-having no idea of how much technique was involved in operating this type of loom. Yet here in the U.S., the majority of us are unfamiliar with this type of textile construction and few of us really know what the process looks like. ![]() This type of loom is so ancient that some historians believe it may actually pre-date history. (1).Utilizing simple backstrap looms in the weaving of textiles is a staple of cultures throughout the world, from Guatemala to Burma. Crossing weft threads over each other and then up and behind the warp threads forming patterned motifs. Coiling both thread-ends around the warp, either left or right, forming patterns that resemble an embroidered chain stitch.Ģ. Highly skilled weavers created complex designs using two distinct categories of Trima patterning:ġ. Other motifs like stupas, amulets, and eternal knots reference relevant socio-cultural and religions. Using silk or cotton threads, the motifs found in this textile include those inspired by nature, for instance, pigeon's eyes, monkey's nails, fly's wings, and horses. Trima is mainly used to weave motifs on the Kushutharas, one of Bhutan's most prominent, valued, and embellished textiles usually worn during special occasions like festivals (Tsechu), weddings, and other important events. ![]() Its intricacy has drawn the attention of textile enthusiasts and connoisseurs across the world (1). It is a highly sophisticated technique where the weft yarns are entwined around the warp yarns producing motifs raised above the ground cloth, therefore often mistaken for embroidery. Trima literally means 'coiling the warp'. ![]() While there are various techniques for weaving motifs in Bhutanese textiles, this article will focus on the Trima and Hor weaving techniques. The motifs on the Bhutanese textiles are often inspired by nature, man-made structures, and influenced by socioeconomic, cultural, and religious factors. But in recent times, many weavers have been working and living in Thimphu, the capital city. Handwoven using the backstrap, card, and treadle looms, the weaving tradition was formerly concentrated in the eastern and central parts of the country. The yarns were dyed using vegetable and naturally available dyes, although they are now mostly imported. The textiles are predominately woven from yak wool/hair and sheep in northern and central Bhutan, while cotton, nettle, hemp, and silk are commonly used in the eastern and southern regions. The weaving custom varies from region to region, and each textile boasts the technique of its respective region. Weaving was a skill learned by young girls from their mothers or grandmothers. Bhutan has a rich and diverse textile tradition practiced almost entirely by women. ![]()
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