Shaoqiao fishnet weaving is an intangible cultural heritage in Dongying, East China's Shandong province.
The Shaoqiao village boasts abundant water resources and high water quality. It's a popular spot for fishing and angling year-round. With every villager skilled in making fishing nets, there's a strong foundation for developing both recreational fishing and handcrafting nets.
Commonly, fishing nets are woven with durable ropes, made from materials such as nylon, which are durable but dry quickly. These features make them suitable for the marine environment.
The primary tools used for weaving fishing nets include shuttles, weaving boards, and knitting needles.
Shuttles are used for threading and weaving, weaving boards for fixing the net in place, and knitting needles for refining details.
There are generally three methods for fishing net weaving: the knotting, twisting, and the warp knitting, which all aim to create flatter and denser fishing nets.
Shaoqiao fishing net weaving, a traditional craft of Dongying, is admired for its unique techniques and practicality. The nets are not only strong and durable, but also reflect the wisdom and hardworking spirit of the fishermen.
A fisherman displays a completed fishing net at the 8th China Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo. [Photo/WeChat account: wenlvdongying]
