Figure 11.

Ainu looms used on Hokkaido, with hybrid features. The loom at the top is a type that appears to be related to the looms of circumpolar weaving cultures and probably represents the simplest and oldest type of Ainu loom. The warp tied in a bunch to a stake, and a spacer plate (shown in green at the right) that spreads the warp out to the required width. This spacer plate appears to have been ‘borrowed’ from the older loom when the more advanced frame loom (below) entered Hokkaido. It replaces the reed (normally found directly in front of the weaver in looms of this type).