HALL 31. 
SECTION OF TEXTILE INDUSTRIES. 
Ill this Section it is intended to show the beginnings and devel- 
opment in the art of weaving, thread and rope-making. Many 
races in different parts of the globe, even in our own century, prac- 
ticed the most primitive methods of weaving, especially in utilizing 
coarse fibers in making baskets, hats, and* matting. 
Well authenticated remains definitely establishdhe fact that 
the nations of antiquity from whom the Anglo-Saxon race is 
descended have manufactured fabrics from time immemorial, as 
articles of commerce. 
No other branch of Manufacture, perhaps, contributes so 
much to human comfort and happiness as the product of the loom. 
Progress in textile manufacture has always gone hand in hand 
with the development of civilization, and each step in the gradual 
mechanical perfection of the loom has reflected prosperity orf the 
cotton plantation, the flax farm, and the sheep ranch, so that the 
history of the art is of great interest to the man of affairs as v/ell 
as to the antiquarian. • 
The collection of textiles, contains many objects of interest. 
Beginning with the old hand loom, constructed and used on the 
Kentucky frontier in the last century, many objects of interest are 
shown, made by the spinners and weavers of the United States,' 
Java, Jamaica, Turkey, Russia, Bulgaria, Japan, and Korea, includ- 
ing the large linen damask table cloth manufactured in Ireland 
for Queen Victoria, and exhibited in the British Section of the 
Manufactures Building during the Columbian Exposition. 
The Tsuzure Nishiki Tapestry is one piece 286 square feet in 
area which occupies the South Wall, is regarded by connoisseurs 
to be of the highest grade of work made by the artists of Japan. 
Upon the Western wall hangs an Antique Persian Irayer-rug 
— or rather twelve rugs woven in one piece 10x14 feet. This rug 
was presented to the Museum by Mr. Topakyan, who represented 
the Persian Governnient at the Exposition. 
