The Ancient Farming Cultures in Adjara (Flax and Hemp)

Abstract

In the introductory part of the article, based on the data of anc­ient Greek sources (Herodotus, Strabo, Xenophon) and relevant Geo­rgian scientific literature, the cultivation of ancient agricultural crops - flax and hemp in ancient Colchis is discussed. According to these reports, it is clear that ancient Colchis, which included Adjara, was not inferior to Egyptian linen in the production of high-quality linen fabrics, and that is why it was exported abroad, including Hellas. The assumption is made here that the cultivation of flax and hemp in Colchis and the folk technological knowledge and skills of making high-quality fabrics must have been known in Colchis much earlier before the Greek authors of the ancient period knew about it and tried to bring it to Greece.

In the main part of the article, on the basis of ethnographic materials, the cultivation of flax and hemp crops in Adjara and the issues of making yarn and fabrics from its fibers are characterized. According to the same ethnographic materials, it is clear that in Adjara, flax and hemp were grown with more or less intensity, both in lowland and mountainous Adjara, which is clearly indicated by the corresponding toponymic names, such as Naselvar and Nakanafevi (that means former flax and hemp fields).

From linen yarn, which was called “kedi“, fabrics called canvas were made, which were used for women's and men's clothing. Various types of ropes and household items were made from hemp yarn. From flax seeds, which were called “kumeli” oil was made. It was used both for food and as a means of lighting that replaced kerosene. Flax and hemp seeds were also used for medical purposes.

Ethnographic materials given in the article on the example of Machakhli valley clearly show the special role of women in the production of yarn and various fabrics from flax and hemp fibers. With these materials, a little-known issue is clarified. The bride first was given flax and hemp thread to spin. If she handled the work well, then the work of knitting and weaving would not be difficult for her at all. In choosing a bride this aspect of textile activity was given one of the main importance.