Warping paddle (rennestikke)
A warping paddle keeps threads in order during warp preparation. It has holes and may be made of wood, bone or horn. Spoon-shaped variants are called renningsskjeer.
The tool belongs to warp preparation. It should be distinguished from a weaving temple, which maintains the width of woven cloth during weaving. Assess function together with shape and signs of use. A pierced piece of wood is not necessarily a weaving tool.
When cataloguing, describe material, handle, hole arrangement, dimensions and decoration. Photograph both faces and the holes, especially any apparent thread wear. Record splits, repairs and holes that may have been drilled later. Hole count alone gives neither a secure date nor a geographical origin. Transcribe initials and dates as inscriptions, indicating uncertainty where they are unclear. Carved decoration may be relevant to an assessment as folk art, but does not itself document the maker or establish that the object was given as a gift.
