Fipa Wooden Weaving Distaff Tanzania

The Wooden Distaff Fipa is an essential tool for drawing fibers such as wool or flax into a spun thread for weaving. The distaff is commonly held with one hand or anchored in a rock or tree, allowing for precise spinning motion of the wrist. This results in high-quality spun thread, ready to be used for fabric production. For the Fipa the process of spinning and weaving cotton was typically done by men -- it was widespread and utilized locally-grown materials. The resulting fabric was characterized by its weight, strength, and durability.

The Fipa people, who reside in southwestern Tanzania, are a Bantu-speaking group known for living on the Ufipa Plateau, which overlooks Lake Tanganyika. Their central chiefdom, Milanzi, was ruled by a hereditary line of skilled ironsmiths.

The Fipa are known for their strong focus on agriculture, dedicating themselves entirely to the cultivation of their fields. During harvest season, they build round huts for shelter and sleep, while their main crop of millet is used to make dry porridge and paired with beans. Land ownership traditionally belongs to the chief, but any Fipa can plant in designated areas after payment to the local official.

Height: 13.5
Width: 2.5
Depth: 0.5

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