Edited by IPC Prešov | Košice and Žilina Regions
Weaving
Country: Slovakia
Region: Košice Region
Type of inspiration: Visual arts
Inspiracja
Linen was produced in households in Slovakia until the introduction of manufactory production. There were also times when this craft stagnated, especially during the war with the Turks and the rebellions of the Estates, but in the eighteenth century the linen industry blossomed and moved from the cities to the villages.
During the reign of Joseph II in Spiš and Šariš, efforts were made to raise the level of linen production. They imported high-quality linseed and began to train the population. In 1786, two weavers and three spinners accepted an invitation from Bohemia and taught the girls to spin flax, hemp, wool and cotton, which they also taught them how to process. Each carpenter, wheelwright and miller was also given the task of making a loom, six spinning wheels and two spindles according to the tools brought from Bohemia. Spišská stočka had its seal (something like a patent) made on the hoes, only wide sterns and the like could be used. The most successful was the whole action in Spiš, it continued even after Joseph's death. Slovak linen was sold throughout Hungary, the Balkans, Russia and North Africa. The trade was dominated by Balkan merchants from the southern parts of Hungary, German bourgeoisie, Jews, owners of bleaching and dyeing factories. At Pentecost, merchants came to Spišská stolica to buy the ordered linen from the manufacturers, they also stocked up on its purchase in the markets.
Since domestic linen was unable to compete with manufactures and industrial products, it gradually disappeared from the middle of the 19th century onwards. But not completely. Even today, we can still find people in Slovakia who are still engaged in this craft, and we can beautify our homes with their extraordinary products.
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