Raoul D'Harcourt (1879–1971)

This was one of the first serious attempts at examining the weaving techniques used on what is still considered one of the more primitive looms in use today. Many other researchers, weavers and non-weavers alike, have used this book as a basis for their work, and built upon the research he did, so it is one of the bibles on South American indigenous weaving.
The text is somewhat dry because this is not a coffee table book; and the photographs of textiles are unfortunately in black and white, show more but there is more than enough information here for several more authoritative books on the subject, and is a must for the serious weaving or textile student. It is divided up into sections that attempt to give a classification of the types of textiles found, and the methods used to create them. Textile production, and the way the garments or artifacts were constructed and decorated, had great religious and social significance, and the methods used were/are anything but primitive, although most looms consist of a bundle of sticks.
There is nothing on basic weaving techniques as such; this is not an instruction book on how to do backstrap weaving, but is a must have for anyone interested in taking their weaving beyond the basics, and understanding what the loom is really capable of. Multi-shaft loom weavers will also find it interesting as many of the techniques described bear a striking resemblance to techniques practiced today around the world in other weaving cultures. It is helpful in re-interpreting these techniques for the modern loom. As someone who is studying backstrap weaving techniques, I would not be without this book as it is good to go back to see, study and understand the diagrams, photographs and descriptions of the textiles the author examined.
An excellent resource for those interested in Pre-Columbian textiles and weaving traditions. show less