Weaving sword (piece)

Weaving swords were used for beating the weft or woof (the transverse threads) when weaving on upright looms. This piece of an iron example was found in a Viking woman's grave at Westness on Rousay in Orkney. She was buried between 850 and 950.

The socket of the weaving sword, also known as a weaving batten, is preserved, together with part of the blade. A wooden handle would probably have been attached to the socket.

The preparation of wool and flax, spinning, weaving, and sewing were the domain of Viking women. Several of the women's graves in the Viking cemetery at Westness contained tools associated with textile production.

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