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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    Emma Boast

    This is so cool! Love discovering new examples of Nalbinding. This is definitely Coptic Stitch Nalbinding for sure. I’m a Nalbinding Specialist and I’ve just recently reconstructed some of these. Love the different colours on this example, you can even see the joins and imperfections made by the original wool crafter. Very awesome! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

    Image comment for Emma Boast
    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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