Period: Middle and Late Bronze Age (c. 2000-1200 BC)

Project title: Et forsøg med bananformede vævevægte

Researcher: Agnete Lassen, CTR, University of Copenhagen.

E-mail: agnetela(at)m1.stud.ku.dk

Year: 2007

Abstract:

Crescent shaped clay objects have been found in excavations in Turkey during the last century, and they have puzzled the archaeologists. They are often described as loom weights, but also as net sinkers, administrative tools, amulets, handles, and cult objects.

At Lejre Experimental Centre a batch of ceramic weights were reconstructed on the basis of the crescents found in the archaeological excavation at Karahöyük near Konya in Turkey. In the experiment, a row of crescents were attached to each thread layer of the warp on a warp weighted loom. Approximately 15 cm. tabby weave was woven, and the ceramic objects were found to function well as loom weights.

To investigate if the crescent shape of these objects could have an advantage over other shapes of loom weights, experiments with weaving stripes and patterns were also carried out.

The conclusion of the experiment was that the crescents worked well as loom weights, and they can favourably be used for twill weaving. They are also more flexible tools than other loom weight types.

Reference number: HAF 09/07