Record

Loom weights of baked clay and steatite

< 1 of 1 > Back

From Dunbar, East Lothian and Jarlshof, Shetland

Postcard of Loom weights of baked clay and steatite.
000-100-042-596-C
© National Museums Scotland

Loom weights of baked clay and steatite

Loom weights were used to weight the vertical threads (the warp) on upright looms. The baked clay example from Dunbar in East Lothian was used in the seventh century while the steatite example from Jarlshof on Shetland was used between 850 and 1000.

Both loomweights are perforated to allow them to be tied to the warp.

Upright looms were used by about 1000 BC, and had a long history. The looms themselves rarely survive, although a number of loomweights have been found, sometimes associated with other objects used in weaving, such as weaving combs and pin beaters.


Record details

To search on related items, click any linked text below.

Online ID: 000-100-042-596-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.HSA 564
Date: Dunbar loom weight: between 600 and 700; Jarlshof loom weight: between 850 and 1000
Material: Steatite; circular bored hollow in centre of one face, slightly undercut
Dimensions: 4.70" x 2.80" x 1.15"; hollow 0.70" D
What: Loom weight
Subject:
Who:
Where: Scotland, Shetland, Sumburgh, Jarlshof
Event:
Description: Loom weight made from a lump of steatite, from Jarlshof
References:
Translations:
Related Records:
< 1 of 1 > Back
 
Powered by Scran