Why are some discoid loom weights grooved? Answers from experimental archaeology on the functionality of weaving tools in the Bronze Age Aegean. In A. Pieńkowska, D. Szeląg & I. Zych eds, Stories Told Around the Fountain. Papers Offered to Piotr Bieliński on the Occasion of His 70th Birthday. By Agata Ulanowska

https://www.academia.edu/41240424/Why_are_some_discoid_loom_weights_grooved_Answers_from_experimental_archaeology_on_the_functionality_of_weaving_tools_in_the_Bronze_Age_Aegean_In_A_Pie%C5%84kowska_D_Szel%C4%85g_and_I_Zych_eds_Stories_Told_Around_the_Fountain_Papers_Offered_to_Piotr_Bieli%C5%84ski_on_the_Occasion_of_His_70th_Birthday?rhid=37184794440&swp=rr-rw-wc-105903948&nav_from=aeb4bc41-a313-4a53-badd-cd70cb0a26bf This paper reexamines discoid loom weights, a specific type that originated in Early Bronze Age Crete and was widespread in the Bronze Age Mediterranean. The growing popularity of these tools, as attested by the archaeological record, is discussed in relation to their general functionality and specific weaving techniques that may have come with them. The functional parameters of discoid loom weights, i.e., weight and thickness, implying the types of fabrics that may have been produced with their use, are analyzed together with use-wear marks on the tools, which demonstrate how the loom weights were attached to warp threads. The grooves on the upper edges of some of these tools are discussed as a post-production feature on the basis of experimental modelling. The presented results are the effect of archaeological experiments and tests undertaken by the author with students of archaeology from the University of Warsaw and weavers from the Biskupin Archaeological Museum. ...