The specific craftsperson of this textile fragment is not identified. It is possible however, considering this textile was produced in Islamic Spain, that it was made by an Arabic weaver.
It is often difficult to identify a specific craftsperson, or even characterize a textile’s weaver, as during the Middle Ages, craftspeople were relocated for various reasons:
• Forcibly, sought after for their talent • Out of necessity, fleeing war and violence • By choice, attracted to developing new textile industries that emerged across Byzantium and in European countries: Italy and Spain
Typically, weaving was a position filled by both men and women of the lower class. Weaving was initially done in individual households and later commercialized: textiles were mass produced in workshops, often with advanced, complex technology. One interesting development for all craft industries, including textile weaving, was the introduction of guilds, or the organization of workers into an association. The assembly of weavers provided (them) control over pricing and the ability to ensure high standards of production.
