Bhutanic Looming
Sunday AfterLOOM @Drielandenpunt Vaals
Mac & Magic/Sunday afterLOOM/Bhutan
[09] Here we go with another stilt loom-type from Bhutan at Sunday AfterLOOM. It‘s the old version of the so-called Phang Tha (loin loom/backstrap loom). Nowadays versions come a bit more comfortable with a platform to take seat, that enables a free-stand without connecting to a wall, pillar or tree.
In most cases the station type of the Pang Tha nowadays is used indoor, while these older stilt models have been practiced outdoor.
These modern versions are made by wood, while the stilt type can be made by bamboo, wood or even branches. Take notice, that the here shown model uses the same bamboo canes, that we used already for the Baduy Loom from Java on last Sunday AfterLOOM.
This loin loom has big attraction due to its artistically triangular-shaped leading of the circular warp. The whole warp piles up in front of the weaver like the Himalayan foothills. Here we may observe, that weaving isn’t just a functional thing, but a sculptural work with a wide range of expression, rather than just a garment. Is it a message? What does the weaver, the sculpturer, the artist want to tell us?
Out of this perspective one thing gets clear: Transferring a message over generations by this kind of sculptural work demands a continuously happening. That sounds pretty modern for a nearby "stoneage concept" of sculptural artwork. Is this really a mind of a savage, as described on many western postcards (Taiwan's savages) of last century? For heaven‘s sake we can‘t spot any savages!
Next to backstrap weaving you‘ll find several other methods in Bhutan and neighborhood, even the vertical carpet loom is wide-spread. The similarities between a vertical carpet loom and the Phang Thak are obvious, if they relate and how, nobody has a clue.
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LOOM:DESIGN
