These socks are the earliest knitted items in the V&A's collection. Made in 300-499 AD, they were excavated in Egypt at the end of the 19th century. They have a divided toe and are designed to be worn with sandals.
The socks are knitted in stocking stitch using three-ply wool and the single-needle technique. This type of knitting is a slow technique more like sewing. It was a forerunner of the faster method of knitting with two or more needles.
Textile historians often find it difficult to tell whether early knitted objects are made using a single needle, as here, or using more than one needle, as the finished articles are so similar in appearance.
We have two interesting issues here with (#1) human anatomy being one of those. They sure look like no socks I’ve ever seen. May be these weird feet could fit inside these bizarre sabatons.
The other (#2) issue is the material. If we go along with the official narrative, and believe that these socks are indeed 1,600 years old, than we are talking about some incredibly durable material.
KD: Eventually what did the matching foot looked like, and how old are these 1,600 y.o. socks would be my questions. Anything weird there in your opinion?
The socks are knitted in stocking stitch using three-ply wool and the single-needle technique. This type of knitting is a slow technique more like sewing. It was a forerunner of the faster method of knitting with two or more needles.
Textile historians often find it difficult to tell whether early knitted objects are made using a single needle, as here, or using more than one needle, as the finished articles are so similar in appearance.
The other (#2) issue is the material. If we go along with the official narrative, and believe that these socks are indeed 1,600 years old, than we are talking about some incredibly durable material.
KD: Eventually what did the matching foot looked like, and how old are these 1,600 y.o. socks would be my questions. Anything weird there in your opinion?
