Workshop "Ancient Spiral Tube Decorations - History and Techniques"

Image

Teacher: Marja-Leena Jaanus

Marja-Leena Jaanus has graduated University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy specializing in Native Textile (2016). On MA level she has graduated Native Crafts (2019) and Teacher of Arts and Technology (2021) curriculums. Her final theses were about specialized craft language. Marja-Leena is interested in ancient textile techniques, such as tablet weaving, nalbinding and spiral tube decorations, everything that can be used for recreating historical clothing as well as brought to present designs. The older the craft technique, the more interesting it is! Currently she is working in Kammeri School, teaching crafts, art and Estonian.

The use of spiral tube decorations on clothing has been a long tradition in the Eastern Baltic. The archaeological and ethnographic evidence show its presence in the area of present day Estonia at least 1000 years. The latest examples are ethnographic ornaments from the 19th century. Archaeological examples of spiral tube ornaments in Estonia have been found mostly from graves and hoards. Recent studies of these finds have revealed new information about the techniques how the spiral tube ornaments were made. There are different ways how the spiral tube ornaments have been made.

The workshop begins with a short lecture. Practical work gives insight into different techniques of making spiral tube decorations. During the workshop, different techniques and materials (wires, wool and linen yarns) are used. The participants will make two items which can be turned into various jewellery or used for decorating bigger items.

The participation fee includes materials for two items made of spiral tubes. This workshop is suitable for beginners.