Pre-filled shuttle meant to pass the weaving thread through the gap in thread made when lifting up the warp threads. Thread was wrapped around this and kept at tension to evenly distribute the thread while weaving.

The time period for the bare ribbon loom shuttle is likely the 17th to 19th centuries, with roots in the 16th century. These looms, designed to weave multiple ribbons at once, became prominent in places like Basel, Switzerland, starting in the early 17th century due to a surge in skilled refugees. The invention of the flying shuttle in 1733 also played a key role in improving the efficiency of these and other looms, though ribbon looms continued to be used in hand-powered versions into the 20th century.