Weaving in Macedonia and Thrace was closely connected with the family and economic life of the people, forming a wealth-producing source and a stable reference point for customs, traditions and superstitions.
The decorative motifs, which usually have a symbolic character, are an amalgam of ancient Greek roots, and Eastern and Western influences, and are related to the historical and cultural conjunctures.
Textiles may be classified according to their use -- for dresses, and for household (blankets, rugs) or professional purposes; according to their material -- wool, cotton, silk, linen or a mixture; and according to the technique, depending on the texture, density and processing.
The workshops of Siatista and Kastoria produced some impressive hand-made pieces called 'allfoursina', made by sewing together different pieces of cloth.
In addition to being practised as a cottage handicraft, weaving developed into an industrial art, which flourished particularly from the 18th century onwards, producing goods for export, that were also marketed through guilds.
See Also
