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Wheat Weaving

Given the beauty of wheat, it is no wonder that farmers developed the art of weaving the stalks together into figures and forms that reflect the patience, ingenuity and imagination inherent in farm life. The practice of wheat-weaving is worldwide. Designs typically reflect a sense of wonder and gratefulness for the bounty of the harvest. Traditionally, they were woven by farm laborers from the last sheaf cut from the harvest. The weavings served as a decorative way to store a symbolic bundle of wheat which, in turn, was planted the following spring as a blessing of prosperity. With the rise of giant farms and modern harvesting methods along with the introduction of hybrid varieties of wheat, the practice was almost lost in the 1950’s. Somehow, the vision and passion of a few people helped it survive to become a widely admired craft and art form now displayed at county fairs and supported by national and regional membership organizations.

For more information and an exhibit of some of these amazing figures and forms, visit www.geocities.com/wheatwhiz