1,700-year-old sock

1,700-year-old sock Gallery Image
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in English original

This object has been translated into 2 different languages by 2 different users

1,700-year-old sock

Originally found by a British archaeologist in a Roman-period cemetery in Oxyrhynchus (modern Al-Bahnasa in Egypt), this colourful 1,700-year-old sock with split toes was made in fine 3-ply wool through the knitting method known as ‘sprang’. It was preserved for a long time due to Egypt’s dry climate.

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    Sabine Wanner

    Hi, this sock is made using naalbinding (needlebinding). The stitch should be the Tarim stitch, also known as coptic stitch. At least it looks like it. If you need a person in Great Britain to verify the stitch type, please let me know and I will get you a suitable contact.

    Karen Newman

    This is not made by using the technique of sprang, nor is it knitting. It is nalbound, a needle weaving technique.

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