Abstract: A hook selection device for a weaving loom dobby head where the dobby includes a bottom board carrying hooks and an upper part for supporting the selection device. The upper part moves relative to the bottom board and includes rigid heald shafts provided with a catch corresponding to each hook on the bottom board. The position of each catch relative to a corresponding hook being controlled by an electromagnetic device having a coil. Each rigid heald shaft has a portion made of magnetic material and is mounted on the upper part so as to pivot about a pin. The selection device creates a permanent magnetic field in a region of the selection device having the heald shaft. The coil and permanent magnetic field drive the heald shaft to pivot either into a first position to permit entrainment of a catch and corresponding hook and a second position which does not permit entrainment.