Spinning wool, Glen Columbkille, County Donegal, Ireland
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Spinning wool, Glen Columbkille, County Donegal, Ireland
Woman in her cottage spinning wool in Glen Columbkille (Glencolmcille, Gleann Cholm Cille), County Donegal, north-west Ireland. Date: circa 1900s
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14396876
© The Roseries Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
Basic Cabin Cottage Cottages Crafts Donegal Glen Remote Rustic Spinning Wheel Wool Glencolmcille
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the essence of rural life in County Donegal, Ireland during the 1900s. The image depicts a woman, dressed in traditional Irish clothing, spinning wool in the dimly lit interior of her humble cottage. Located in the remote and picturesque Glen Columbkille, also known as Glencolmcille or Gleann Cholm Cille, this region in the north-west of the country was renowned for its rugged beauty and simple way of life. The woman's focus is entirely on her spinning wheel, her expression one of deep concentration as she skillfully transforms raw wool into thread. The cottage, with its dark, unadorned walls and basic furnishings, reflects the spartan living conditions common in rural Ireland during this era. The absence of modern conveniences such as electricity or running water only adds to the sense of timelessness and isolation. Despite the challenging conditions, the woman's craftsmanship and determination are evident in the meticulous way she handles the wool. Spinning was an essential skill for Irish women during this period, as it provided them with a means of creating warm clothing for their families during the long, cold winters. The resulting woolen fabrics were also often used to weave baskets, mats, and other household items. This photograph offers a rare glimpse into the daily life of rural Irish women during the 1900s and the importance of traditional crafts in maintaining their communities. The image is a poignant reminder of the connection between the land, the people, and the simple pleasures of rural life that continue to inspire and captivate us today.
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