Spindles and small disks, Pompeii |
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Around 79 AD, the textile industry was one of the leading activities in Pompeii. A number of natural fibers were used, of plant and animal origin. Plant fibers were taken from crops or wild vegetation through processes of soaking, beating and drying.
The inhabitants of Pompeii achieved particular skill in working with raw wool and transforming it into finished products. Spinning and weaving were strictly women's jobs: the looms were upright, with a counter-weighted warp; the cloth was woven from top to bottom. Both yarns and cloths were dyed using natural dyes. |
