Silkribbon weaving
In the 19th century fashion-conscious ladies wore long dresses decorated with fancy ribbons. In fact, fashion without silk ribbons was unthinkable right into the 1950s. Hats, coats, skirts, even hair slides were decorated with colourful silk ribbons. The manufacture of these ribbons had been typical for the region of Basel since the 16th century and by the 19th century it was the most important sector of the economy.
Silk ribbons from Basel were exported in great quantities worldwide. The majority were produced by farming families in their living rooms, then later also in factories. Cottage weaving was an extremely important source of income for many families, as it was not possible to live off farming alone. However, as a consequence, they were dependent on the "silk barons" in Basel.
Cottage industry practically round the clock
One or even several giant looms stood in the family living room and these looms were often in operation for between 16 and 18 hours a day. They were the focus of family life in the house and the whole family helped in the weaving. The women oversaw the whole process; if a silk thread broke they had to stop the loom and tie the ends together again. Even the children lent a hand wherever they could. Electrically driven looms were introduced at the end of the 19th century. However, silk ribbons went out of fashion in the mid-20th century and demand dropped sharply. Silk ribbon weaving became unprofitable and gradually disappeared.
Silk ribbons from the museum
In the Farmhouse from Therwil BL (131) a large loom dating from the year 1895 is in operation each Wednesday. The silk ribbons woven in the museum are available for purchase in, among other places, the Farmhouse from Ostermundigen BE (331).
Ballenberg
Swiss Open-Air Museum
Museumsstrasse 100
CH-3858 Hofstetten bei Brienz
Opening hours
10 April to 2 November 2025
10 am to 5 pm daily
