These ceramic or stone objects in the form of a truncated pyramid with a hole at the top were used as weights. Animal fibre threads, made of wool or silk; or vegetable fibre threads, made of linen or hemp, were passed through the hole, and hung from a loom forming the warp of the fabrics (stamen). Their purpose was to maintain the vertical tension on the threads while weaving. Fabric was obtained by passing a thread called the weft (subtegmen) alternately from right to left and left to right, and from back to front and front to back between the warp threads.
The weaving work was carried out with the help of two wooden or metal objects: the shuttle and the comb. In this way the threads were gradually intertwined and the fabrics were woven. Later, bronze or bone needles were used to create different items of clothing.