Tablet Weaving - Jambiya Belts

[Stasa Katz]

Some jambiya belts are made using this technique.

http://www.lindahendrickson.com/yeme...-main-page.htm

Click on any photo for a larger view.

Marta Colburn is a consultant and textile collector whose work frequently takes her to Yemen. Here is her story of discovering tablet weaving in San'a'.

In July 2002 I visited the Women’s Handicraft Center in San’a’, the capital of Yemen. This charitable society provides a fair trade opportunity for low-income women. It teaches them crafts, provides materials, quality control and sales, and works to preserve Yemen’s cultural heritage. I frequently visit this center to purchase embroidered items. On my last visit, as I was leaving, the director, Amal al-Razak Jahaf, called me aside and said she wanted to show me a new project. As I was rushed for time, I almost did not take the opportunity. She described to me how she had researched this tradition, which she called Tazja’h.

For more read here:

http://www.lindahendrickson.com/yeme...-main-page.htm

More links here

http://www.google.com/search?q=table...-1&btnG=Search

Tablet Weaving Yemen

http://www.google.com/search?q=%22ta...-1&btnG=Search

Based on what I have read so far, this technique is ancient, and well dispersed. A fully set up tablet loom was found in the Osberg Ship burial.

The technique was used in the Near East and North Africa and the Saudi peninsula and may be preserved in Oman, as part of the efforts made by the Royal family to preserve the culture and skills.

"A Background in Tablet Weaving"

http://thorkell.halberd.org/lorenzo/...ack/twback.htm