Traditional Somali Finger Weaving

Using no loom or frame, Somali nomads use traditional finger weaving techniques to make floor mats for their homes and other uses.

This class provides you a wonderful opportunity to work with 4 Somali-heritage grandmothers for hands-on, authentic finger weaving! You’ll find the process is absorbing and meditative, plus hear stories and learn about the Somali culture as you make a beautiful weaving to take home (you may need to finish outside of the class, but you’ll have the skills to do so).

Deadline for registration is January 8 (even though class is January 15). Please register early so the grandmothers can make their plans, or as your grandmother would say “Chop Chop”!

This class will be taught by Minneapolis weavers, and grandmothers, from the Somali Museum of Minnesota. The class is suitable for Somali and non-Somali students. Interested to see more examples of Somali finger-weaving and explore their culture? Be sure to watch the video Somali Ayeeyos Make Woven Art Without Tools on YouTube and visit the Somali Museum of Minnesota.