Distaffs and loom weights in the world of northern Greece

Texts: Konstantinos Kefalas

INSTITUTE FOR BALKAN STUDIES, THESSALONIKI 1976

Monoligual publication: Greek

Off-print of the proceedings of the 2nd Northern Greece Folklore Symposium (Epirus, Macedonia, Thrace)

Mr. Kefalas' paper is a study of Sarakatsan wood-carvings, distaffs and loom-weights. Wood carving was an integral part of the Sarakatsans life and they employed their skills on the various implements used in weaving, a vital activity in the Sarakatsan community.

After a first section dedicated to the different views on the origins of the Sarakatsans, the study goes on to examine the carved decoration of the various implements used in processing wool. Some of the symbolic motifs they were using were the snake (the reptile associated with happiness, a charm against evil forces, a vigilant guard of the home), the cross (pierced, engraved or in relief) and the moon.

The photographs and drawings of decorative motifs offer the reader a wealth of material on the wood-carving of the Sarakatsans.