A deceptively simple device made of sticks, strings, and rope, the backstrap loom is used to create elaborate and beautiful textiles. These looms have been an integral part of women's lives and work in Mesoamerica for hundreds of years. The loom is a flexible tool, and is readily set up anywhere that a rope can be attached. It takes up little space when rolled up, and many different types of weaves can be produced on the same loom. Some women inherit their looms from their mother or another female relative; others use sticks that they have found and worked into the right shape. Still others buy the sticks that make up their loom from a carpenter or, less frequently, at the market.
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 The loom is made up of eight parts. A rope attaches the loom to a post or
tree, while a backstrap of leather or fabric attaches the weaver to the
loom (I). By leaning forward or backward, the weaver is able to control
the tension of the warp. Warp refers to those threads that run lengthwise
along the loom, end to end (H to A) . Closest to the weaver are two bars,
one which attaches to the warp threads; the other is used to wind up the
cloth as it is woven. This process keeps the work area within easy reach
of the weaver. Lease strings (B) keep the warp strings from tangling when
the loom is folded up and put away. All other parts of the loom are used
in the process of weaving itself. A shed (an opening between the top and
bottom strings of the warp) is created by use of the shed roll (C) the
heddle stick (D), and strings. When the weaver pulls up on the heddle
stick, the bottom strings of the warp are pulled up through the top
strings, creating a shed. The weaver then passes the shuttle (F) wound
with thread through the shed opening. Then using the batten (E), she beats
the thread down tightly. The threads which run across the warp and loom
are known as weft threads. Next, the weaver pulls the shed roll towards
her. This forces the bottom warp strings (those attached to the heddle
stick) back down, creating a different shed. She throws the shuttle and
beats down the weft, then repeats this process over and over. After every
throw of the shuttle, the weaver beats down the weft thread and changes
sheds. This process is the basis of all weaving, producing a basic fabric known as plain weave.
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