Innovative or Traditional? Diachronic Approach to Weaving Technology in Bronze Age Greece

Abstract

This paper aims at recognising potential innovations in weaving technology that may have occurred in Bronze Age Greece. It discusses whether these assumed developments may be examined diachronically. This discussion is based on archaeological evidence of textile implements, such as loom weights and presumed traces of warp-weighted looms, as well as knowledge of traditional craft and experimental archaeology. After a short introduction discussing how technical innovations could possibly be recognised in weaving, the paper explores possible changes in the construction and functionality of the warp-weighted loom and potential uses of other types of looms in Greece. A distribution pattern of specific forms of a loom weight, e.g. discoid loom weights in particular, is examined as an innovation responding to the demand for fabrics of specific technical qualities and appearance, possibly associated with a spread of new weaving techniques which accompanied the transmission of these tools. Social relations and modes of organisation of textile production are considered factors that must have had a significant impact on creativity and innovativeness in weaving technology. However, the final conclusion is that specific relations between the organisation of weaving and the occurrence of innovative processes cannot be clearly recognised based on the available evidence.