The History of the Weaving Floor Loom
Randy Nicholas has been writing professionally since 2002. He started by writing and editing technical and training manuals, developing educational curricula, and designing corporate policies, plans, and processes. His more creative work has been featured in "The Danforth Review," and "Inscribed: A Magazine for Writers." By Randy Nicholas, eHow Contributor
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Weaving is one of mankind's earliest inventions.
The ancient art of weaving fabrics and textiles has led to the invention of many devices and methods used across the world and throughout history. The long evolution of weaving has led to the development of today's most popular weaving machine: the weaving floor loom, operated by hand with a foot pedal that allows for uninterrupted weaving, or by a computer program that makes the chore of calculating thread count, patterns, and length and width dimensions easier for the weaver.
1. Origin
o Because of the short-lived nature of fabrics and textiles and the complications of weather erosion, insects and fire, little evidence on the origin of weaving has survived throughout the ages. The earliest confirmed and dated evidence of weaved cloth came from Turkey about 7,000 to 8,000 years ago. Based on this and other anecdotal evidence, archaeologists theorize that baskets and basket weaving were probably among the first inventions of mankind.
Around the World
o With evidence of the art of weaving confirmed in several locations around the world, it is thought by some archaeologists that early humans would have instinctively recognized the benefit of the woven structure by observing it in nature, such as in a spider's web or a bird's nest. There is confirmed evidence of weaving taking place in Egypt, China, Mesopotamia, Switzerland and Peru dating as far back as 5000 BC. Common fibers used were linen, wool and silk.
Weaving in China
o The mastery of the art of weaving silk is a great...