This sling is based on slings found in Tibet. One unique feature that some Tibetan slings have is the use of 8-strand braids that are sewn together to form the flat strips that flank the pouch and form the loop. There are many different patterns that can be formed with this method. Also of interest is the Tibetans' use of a large loop placed around the palm of the hand, rather than the more common finger loop. This sling is made from wool, but the Tibetans often make theirs from yak hair. I do not know if there is a particular reason to split the braids of the cords, but this is not uncommon on the examples of Tibetan slings that I have seen. The pouch is woven, with two twining wefts. When I made the pouch, I first warped it by sewing through the braids, and then with two yarns and needles, I did the weaving. I found this method of weaving to be quite slow, and I would be interested to know whether or not the Tibetans use some other technique to produce the twined strucure. Ply-splitting and Tablet weaving both produce this structure, but I am not aware whether these are known to the Tibetans or not. On a side note, when used like a whip, this sling produces a very satisfying crack.

Copyright 2009 by Timothy Potter