Re-hackling flax before spinning

Using questions as a method of understanding

Authors

  • Marie Ekstedt Bjersing University of Borås

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7577/formakademisk.5391

Keywords:

Craft materials, Traditional craft skills, craft skills, flax processing, intangible heritage

Abstract

Flax is a traditional plant used to make textiles. Flax, like all natural fibres, is a material with variations. Knowledge of a crafting process can be obtained by studying artefacts and all available documentation and by being present in a craft tradition and society of spinning. A craftsperson will make many small decisions during their work. How do we gain knowledge about handling materials, and how do we preserve the intangible skills relevant to a craft? This performance article aims to make visible specific knowledge of material, tools and working methods for re-hackling flax. The text and performance illustrate the perspective of a reflecting craftsperson. By asking questions about the work process, critical decisions regarding crafts will be highlighted. This approach will help preserve and transmit craft skills within flax processing.

Author Biography

Marie Ekstedt Bjersing, University of Borås

Master of Arts (M.A.)
The Swedish School of Textiles

References

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Published

2023-09-21

How to Cite

Ekstedt Bjersing, M. (2023). Re-hackling flax before spinning: Using questions as a method of understanding. FormAkademisk, 16(4). https://doi.org/10.7577/formakademisk.5391

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