Humanities Connections

"Our aim is to integrate ancient weaving into the history of science and technology, especially digital technology. The project encompasses the investigation of ancient sources as well as practices and technological principles of ancient weaving. We set up a PENELOPEan laboratory where we detect the models and topologies of weaves and develop codes to make them virtually explorable.

You can find our publications on zenodo.org/communities/penelope"

This interactive Google Doodle celebrates the life and contributions of the late We:wa, a Zuni (A:shiwi) Native American fiber artist, weaver, and potter. The late We:wa was a Łamana (thah-mah-nah) or person outside the male-female gender binary as practiced by the Zuni people, and a leader and preserver of the tribe's cultural history and practices.

The Doodle features an interactive weaving game, which the reader can play while reading about the late We:wa and their life and cultural context.

The Diné people, known also as the Navajo, venerate Spider Woman, who taught humans how to weave. Similar figures appear in neighboring nations' stories as well, such as the Hopi Spider Grandmother, and all have a connection to weaving and webs.