The Museum of the Ways of the Gaudí Palace presents as September’s ‘Piece of the Month’ some loom weights from the Roman period from archaeological sites in Astorga. It is on display until the end of the month on the second floor of the Gaudí Palace in a prominent place.
Dedication to textile activity occupied a large part of Roman daily life. Thus, the objects used to carry out this work are often found in archaeological sites, such as those found in Astorga since its material past began to be highlighted in the 19th century.
The loom weights or pondus are pieces of simple geometries, made of stone or clay, which served as counterweights in the vertical loom, holding the warp threads in place and keeping them taut. They have a hole in one of their ends through which the thread would pass for fastening. This facilitated the weaving process. Sometimes, the weights had a mark that, as a signature, referred to the artisan or workshop where it was manufactured.
The image will be displayed this month in a prominent place on the second floor of the Gaudí Palace. The Gaudí Palace can be visited every day from 10 am to 2 pm in the mornings and from 4 pm to 8 pm in the afternoons.