Traditional Weaver Leota Davy Photo: Gerald Milnes, courtesy Augusta Heritage Center |
The Mountain Weavers Guild and
Fiber Art Traditions in the Potomac Highlands
This
organization preserves the traditional hand weaving that was
revived in West Virginia during the Great Depression under the
influence of Eleanor Roosevelt. Family based tradition, brought
over the mountains by the early settlers, was drawn upon to "help
people to help themselves" in developing a cottage industry.
Several multi-generational weaving families are highlighted, along
with examples of their work
Teachers were and continue to be the mainstay of the
craft, assisted today by the Augusta Heritage Center sponsored by
Davis and Elkins College in Elkins, West Virginia. Eight audio
cassette tapes of interviews with the weavers form an important
part of the project, as some of the interviewees are no longer
alive. 30 color photographs of intricate overshot and jacquard
weavings and the women who created them are included. A nine-page
history of the Guild and a short essay on early weaving practices
complete the project. Electronic files are included.
Originally submitted by: Robert E. Wise, Jr., Representative (2nd District).
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The Local Legacies project provides a "snapshot" of American Culture as it was expressed in spring of 2000. Consequently, it is not being updated with new or revised information with the exception of "Related Website" links.
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