OLTINGEN: Silk Ribbon Loom in the Museum
The villages of the Oberbaselbiet have always been rather poor. Farmers could survive only if they did an additional job: They took to the weaving of silk ribbons, which were then sold in Basel. Originally operating the mechanical looms was the men's work because it was even harder than working in the fields which was left to the women. With the introduction of electricity in the early 20th century weaving became less strenuous, so men and women traded tasks.One of the last fully functional looms - if I understood correctly, the very last - is put up inside Oltingen's little Heimatmuseum. The museum, open every first Sunday of the month or by appointment, is situated in the basement of the old barn next to parsonage and church. A group of volunteers has learned the almost forgotten handicraft and keeps the loom in operation. A loom this size can weave up to 20 ribbons contemporaneously...
