Description
This photograph shows African American women learning how to weave rugs in a home economics class. Devices like the weaving shuttles and bobbins were used to make cloth and rugs in larger looms, like the one in this photo. The bobbin carried the yarns to make the cloth. The weaver passed the shuttle from side to side, hand to hand, between the layers of the thread. The flying shuttle was invented in 1733, making it possible to weave wider fabrics, and to weave more quickly. This allowed for the invention of power looms, which were used in American textile mills. By the 1830’s, textile mills employed many young women.
Source-Dependent Questions
- Look closely at the photo, what do you notice? Why would women be taught how to make rugs in school?
- Compare this photo to the photo of the seamstress. Explain how these photos help answer the question, "How did the Industrial Revolution change the production of goods?” What evidence supports your answer?
Citation Information
Johnston, Frances B., "African-American women weaving rug in home economics class at Hampton Institute, Hampton, Va.," 1899. Courtesy of Library of Congress