Textile of the Month

Sock
India (?)
Possibly found in Fustat, Egypt
Islamic
12th century


The knitter of this sock started work at the toe and then worked up towards the leg. The heel was made last and then attached to loops formed while knitting the leg. This ingenious practice allowed the heel to be replaced when it wore out without the necessity of making new socks. Although this object was found in Egypt, the knitting technique was not common to the area. Egyptians at this time used a simpler method that started at the top of the leg and worked down towards the toe. The sock is thought to have been made in India because it was found with other materials exported from India and sold in the Egyptian market.

Indigo dyes most likely color the two rich blue cotton yarns used to make the pattern on the socks. The yarn would have been dipped into indigo dye repeatedly until the desired shade was achieved.

Cotton, knitting
Dimensions 52 cm x 20 cm
The Textile Museum 73.698
Acquired by George Hewitt Myers in 1953

To see another previously featured object found in Fustat, Egypt click here.

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