Weaving a Traditional Tumpline with Brian Manning. #983-0521. 2 days. May 21&22

The tumpline is one of those basic straps for hauling burdens that has been used for centuries. A simple strap has been used by many people historically (and prehistorically), but the use of this strap on the forehead seems to be a concept indigenous to the Americas. As Europeans, especially the French came into North America, the tumpline became yet another technology borrowed from Native Americans, just like the canoe, toboggan, snowshoe, etc. In this class students will learn the use of a simple loom and shuttle, along with finger weaving techniques to create their own tumpline to use with a bedroll, toboggan and even a deer drag for the hunter. Topics will include a brief history, documentation of the use of a tumpline, historic photographs and pictures and options for the design. Looms, shuttles and weaving materials will be provided. Some experience weaving with a loom or fingers is helpful but not necessary.