ITP Diary 6th September 2014: Ameena Al-Abri

Hello everyone!

Greetings from the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford. Today In the afternoon we had a tour at the Ashmolean Museum and it focused mainly on the very fine textiles.

In the Museum there are many different textiles, for adults and for young people. Textile manufacturing is one of the oldest techniques and human activities that has been created to protect humans against environment but it was not the only purpose, it also defined genders, age, cultural identity as well as social and geographic considerations. Textiles also can separate sacred spaces from profane space and they may emphasize a ceremonial role or state of transition.

Clothing and textiles were done by a machine called loom. A loom is a device used to  weave cloth. The basic purpose of any loom is to hold the wrap threads under  tension to facilitate the interweaving of the weft threads. The precise shape of the loom and its mechanics may vary, but the basic function is the same.

In the past, trade had a key role in transmitting textiles designs and techniques also it  was easier to transport textiles and clothing than ceramic and glass and therefore it was a major industry that generated wealth and prestige.

Later at the day we had a small tour and introduction in the currency Hall which was very interesting to see.

  

   

 

                         

 

We had a nice day, Thank you

Ameena Al-Abri / Oman