About Lavalavas (Page 3 of 5)
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Fibers
are counted as they are wrapped around a set of five pegs set into a
wooden base called a shoou. This becomes the warp of the woven fabric.
The distance between the pegs the thread is wrapped around determines
length of a lavalava. The number threads wrapped around the pegs determine
the width. Repetition of colors and quantity of fibers wrapped in each
color establish pattern. |
| As
each fiber is placed on the shoou it is looped with a thread. A stick
called nguung is place through the loops when the fibers are moved to
the loom, which allows the weaver to lift the thread evenly and maintain
fiber tension while weaving. |
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The
loom consists two "L" shaped legs of 2" x 8" x 24" pieces of wood connected
by the back of the loom a 2" x 8" x 36" piece of wood. The back piece
attached to two "L" shaped legs is removed when the continuous loop
of fibers from the shoou is mounted. Another 2" x 8" x 36" piece of
wood that has two "V" shaped notches cut out on each end forms the front
of the loom. This piece is inserted through the loop of fiber as it
is brought to the loom from the shoou. |
| The
back strap is a 4 to 6 inch strap woven from hibiscus, coconut rope
or black cord used for fishing net. A weaver sits on the floor, places
the back strap around her lower back and attaches to the "V" notches
on the front piece of the loom. |
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As
she weaves tension on warp fibers is held as her feet brace against
the "L" shaped loom leg. |
| Each
peg of the shoou sets up placement of fiber on the loom. The loops of
thread around the fibers from the center peg of the shoou are moved
to a stick called a nguung. A large piece of bamboo positioned above
the nguung maintains width of the fabric. Three additional pegs create
spaces for bamboo sticks used to lift and separate fibers, which are
alternated as the fabric is woven. |
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