Spinning and weaving are very ancient techniques. Many prehistorians assume that they developed when man became sedentary and began to practice agriculture.

Weaving means the crossing of two different systems of threads: the parallel warp threads running lengthwise, and weft threads, which are passed across them. All early looms were geared to the same weaving process: setting the position of the warp threads, inserting the weft thread and beating it in. The ancient horizontal loom constructed of wooden parts with a narrow warp rod is called nol. It is very simple and consists only of few elements:

1. Warp rod, for keeping the warp taut.

2. Shed stick for holding the warp threads.

3. Sword beater, for beating in the weft threads.

4. Stick pool or shuttle with the weft thread.