The Weaving Goddess
The History and Mythology of Women Weaving
The History of Weaving
Weaving has been a revered craft and skill throughout world history. In the past, it was a prevalent practice in many cultures.
Many societies were dependent on the art of weaving as it provided people with clothing, furniture, and other necessary goods for survival like sails, tents, towels, and bags.
The oldest garment recorded is said to have derived from Egypt’s first dynasty.
The art of weaving was critical and evident in the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras, as well as in Medieval Europe, Ancient China, Korea, Japan, and among many other indigenous populations.
Weaving in Medieval Europe existed throughout the 5th century up until the 15th century. During this period, weaving was often done in homes by women to provide for their family. In the later centuries, it became a primary practice conducted by professionals who sold their goods at markets.
In China, weaving silk is said to date back to 3630 BC. The indigenous Miao population is known for introducing weaving to women at a young age, some even as early as 6 years old. Although in many cultures the art of weaving was primarily attributed with women, sericulture in Ancient China was practiced by both men and women.
Weaving Goddesses
The evident significance of the art of weaving has led the craft to be ascribed with life necessities, wisdom, community and women. Many cultures have even adopted a feminine figure that symbolizes the significance of textile production.
Mesopotamian Mythology
The Sumerian goddess Uttu is associated with weaving, her name itself refers to a part of a loom device and or the action of weaving.
Greek Mythology
“The art of weaving and spinning was held in great esteem in Ancient Greece”
-Liana Miate on World History
The Morai
The Morai were Greek personifications of fate, which is the other name they are often referred to as. The fates are known for weaving a thread of life for all mortals and divine figures.
Each with their own responsibility, their overall role is to make sure every being, whether mortal or god, live out their divine path.
Clotho, meaning “spinner” is in charge of spinning the thread. Lachesis, “alotter”, measures the life of the thread of every individual. Atropos, the “inevitable unturning”, determined when one’s thread would be cut.
These Greek figures are evidently attributed with life.
There is also a mortal woman in Greek mythology known for her impeccable weaving skills. The mortal woman Arachne is known for her divine gift of weaving and her battle against the Greek goddess Athena or her Roman counterpart Minerva. Despite this mortal’s lack of humility, her divine gift is attributed with wisdom and intelligence.
Athena
In some references to their battle, Athena is stated to be Arachne’s teacher. Athena is also known for her renowned weaving skills. Therefore it is actually Athena’s divine wisdom and skills of weaving that Arachne inherits and claims as her own knowledge.
Mayan Mythology
The indigenous Mayans referred to their weaving goddess as the cosmic weaver as she is attributed with the creation of the earth and moon. She was revered for her skill in this craft and attributed with fertility. As a goddess attributed with fertility, she is viewed as a protectress of women who are pregnant and midwives.
Japanese Mythology
The goddess Wakahiru is known for weaving, threading, and embroidery. She is attributed with creativity and beauty. She is known for making garments for other deities and figures of the Shinto religion. This suggests that needlework and weaving are considered divine gifts and skills.
Women and Weaving
Overall women and weaving have proven to be a significant development in culture’s history. This significance has led weaving being adopted as a symbol of the divine feminine aspect, representing the wisdom, skill, and protection women have to offer in communities.
