Why has fiber work traditionally been the work of women in most societies?

Answer 1

In a hunter-gatherer society, as humankind has been for most of its existence, the women were at the campsite nursing babies and taking care of the small children. since they were there, they also specialized in home-activities, such as tending the fire, nursing the sick, and eventually cloth weaving.

Traditionally, these skills have been handed down from mothers and grandmothers to daughters.

No reason why a man can't do fiber art [wall hangings to the un-initiated]. I have a few examples of wonderful work done by men from the Navajo Nation in New Mexico.

Answer 2

Hunting was done by men, and was both time consuming and dangerous. Craft work for men was usually devoted to making and improving weapons. That left everything else for women. Conversely, women did not have the time to develop weapons skills, so hunting, fighting, and herding became male occupations.

Answer 3

Yes. Women are most dextrous at fiber work.