|
Spinning fibres into a length that
was useful began around 20 to 30 thousand
years ago. Spinning may well have been the first development towards civilization.
Finally, anthropologists admit that women invented the first tool-- the digging stick -- and the first carrying device, what later became a bag or basket. Was it Woman who, as she moved around her environment seeking roots, berries, and herbs, first picked fibres off bushes and eventually tried rolling them together, recognizing the usefulness of twisted animal hair or undercoat? Was it Woman who later picked up a lump of clay and formed it around her stick to help the stick spin around longer? Could this have been the beginning of the idea of 'wheel'? Most likely, some men were involved in spinning, too, just like today. Daily hand spinning production ended in Canada only in the early decades of the 20th century. Hand spinning continues to be part of making a living for people in Asia, India, and South America. Hand spinning has long been an interest of creative people, appealing to the do-it-yourselfers who appreciate the ‘old ways’ and like to make things from ‘scratch’. The craft of hand spinning is experiencing a resurgence today. Many new spinners are not only interested in creating beautiful and interesting yarn, they are interested in the rhythmic calming, and even meditative, effects of spinning that can counterbalance the stresses of life in the 21st century. Come for the fresh breezes, the tranquil setting, and take home a new skill! |
