When it comes to "Is It a Sock?" let us know what you think about: Round 1: Ötzi Round 2: Pueblo Shoe-Socks Round 3: Legwraps. Feel free to reply to his thread or start your own in the comments section :)
I've always been fascinated by Otzi. I find it helpful to consider how I would wear or use something in a similar context. In Otzi's time, resources would have been a major concern. The goal in all things would have been getting the most use for the least cost in resources. Keep in mind time is also a resource. Otzi's footwear is an excellent example. There were basically 3 layers: a cheap, but practical, inner layer, a tougher middle layer, and a durable and protective outer layer. Consider the purpose of each layer. The innermost was for padding and heat retention, much like a modern sock. Being the layer touching the skin, it would have worn out quickly, probably in a matter of days. You don't want to waste a lot of time making something that has to be replaced weekly. If Otzi had to nalbind new socks every week, he would have starved to death. Grass was the practical solution. Grass doesn't hold it's shape though. The braided casing holding the grass against the foot was genius. It would probably last a few weeks. The outer layer I consider more of a shoe. It kept the feet warm and dry and provided a bit of protection for the sole of the foot. The 3 layers working in tandem protected Otzi's feet, but also meant he had less downtime from having to stop and make new shoes constantly. Until the outer layer wore out, he only had to pause to replace the inner layers. It was extremely practical. The Pueblo shoe socks are similar. They reflect the wearers' needs in the environment they lived in. Their climate was warm but sometimes cold at night. The terrain was rocky. Even homes had rough stone floors. A thin sock wouldn't last very long at all. I can understand why the soles were reinforced. Think of a modern work sock with reinforced heel and toe. They last much longer than a dress sock would in the same circumstances. The shoe socks provided protection from rocks and thorns while being thin enough to not get excessively hot. If need be grass could have been added to give more warmth in cold times. Outer shoes could have been worn over them if needed. I vote yes for Otzi's braided sock with grass and yes for the Pueblo shoe socks. I vote no for legwraps because the wraps don't seem to do anything for the feet.
@@lorisewsstuff1607 Thank you for your kind and detailed comment. I loved reading your thought process - especially surrounding functionality, time, and the environment. We have a fascination surrounding Ötzi too :)
I'm not sure it is useful to ask if these ancient garments were socks according to our modern definition, any more than it would be useful to ask if Roman togas were dresses according to our modern definition. I think it is more useful to examine the materials and techniques in which they were made and understand how they were used, whatever we choose to call them (as you did). I do love that you chose a humble object to examine in the archeological record and asked, "How have humans in ancient times and far-off places dealt with these all-important yet supremely awkward appendages: feet?" As a crocheter and weaver, I would have loved a little demo of the nalbinding technique.
I'm a curator and I LOVE LOVE when conservation is carried out thoughtfully and it makes the object stable enough for display. Creating appropriate mounts for objects is no easy task and the restored sock looks great.
I'm a crafter. I learned nalbinding because I was curious. Knitting and crochet are faster and easier, but I love learning ancient skills. This is a very interesting topic. Thanks.
i’m knitting a sock as i’m watching this. it’s amazing to think that, if knitting evolved from nalbinding, then i’m part of a tradition that goes back thousands of years.
Whether or not knitting _evolved_ from nalbinding is an interesting question. Early knitting was done in the round (purling was invented a lot later than knitting) and some of the earliest surviving examples are from the middle east where they were also known to do nalbinding. However, sock _making_ definitely goes back a long way, and knitted socks/stockings go back a good thousand years, if not longer.
If you ever get a chance, the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto is absolutely fascinating for shoes and socks, and textile conservation as a whole. I saw Napoléon's socks there!
And don't confine yourself to Egyptological matters. I suspect a Roman soldier on Hadrian's Wall in winter would have been keen on wearing military caligae without some really nerdy socks.
@@alecblunden8615: I've seen other videos on ancient socks and, yes, the Romans definitely had toe socks* (nice, stripey little numbers, like the Egyptian ones) for wearing with sandals. If you want to knit your socks, there is at least one pattern for toe socks on Ravelry, you could modify it to big toe + the other 4. I'm pretty sure there is at least one video on how to make nalbinding socks on TH-cam. * Big toe divided from the other 4, not all 5 toes separate.
But being so interested in passé fashion will still make you a nerd? Trust me you can't win against hot fashion. So just be happy as you are, no justifications required
These ancient socks are so intimate. What kind of person rocked stripey four colour socks? Was the sock in York mended because the owner was poor, or was it a sentimental clothing item made by someone dear who was far away? Who made sure that Ötzi’s feet would be warm?
I've seen other videos on ancient socks. Multi-coloured socks seem to have been the norm, rather than the exception, at least in Egypt and the Roman empire.
I'm thinking if you were rich enough to have socks- you were prob going to show off all the dye colors of wool you could afford- just like the purple on the robes of Roman senators. But that might only apply to matching socks, rather than the lower class people who might save any scraps of wool to add in to darn any hole.
Socks! What an innovation in Eastern Europe as recently as my father's generation. I'm 61. My father showed me the technique of the "foot cloth", used extensively on the Eastern front in Czechoslovakia. A long strip of cotton or linen, wrapped in a specific pattern around the foot. Socks? Who ever heard of Socks? Wrap it correctly and you have a decent covering under your boot. Wrapped carelessly, you have agony for miles of marching through the frozen battleground. My Dad is gonna show me again tomorrow. He told me that his father only wore real socks on Sunday. The rest of the week, foot cloths.
They're very comfortable if you wrap it right. Not faster than a sock, though. Sock is like having to those hook-eyelets on boots: faster, but not the only way.
I was on a quest to find more wholesome content to add to my youtube feed, and am so happy I found you! These little tidbits are fascinating and you make them so easy to digest. Thank you for sharing your knowledge 😊❤️
Thank you for your kind note. I really appreciate it :) In case you're interested and looking for more content, I often post about other channels and videos that I think my audience might find interesting in my community posts :)
One of the things my kith and kin know me for is my love of colorful and patterned socks. It seems that I have joined an ancient and vibrant tradition of people who may submit to ordinary apparel for the most part, but won't have our colorful natures subdued entirely. I love that connection to the ancestors. ❤
Yes! Sock and sandals!!! I’m a knitter and love knitting socks, especially because I can customize the size, appearance and comfort, according to my own taste. I think a sock is an object you can use multiple times, without the need of conforming the material to your feet or legs time and time again, so the Pueblo’s is the only sock for me. Thanks for this video!
I cant do it now but as a child I was taught how to knit socks using 4 needles. Turning the heel was a sort of standard thing you just learned. No need for a pattern. I knitted socks well into my teens. 4 ply wool and size 12 needles.
Just subscribed when this popped up. Ancient clothing has always fascinated me. Just making a sock from a pile of plant or animal fibres, the entire process is just so cool. Household goods, how we survived is just fascinating. I appreciate the female perspective as well. So much has been missing for decades just from ignorance. I saw you have a video on tampons. My books etc... all reference many different plants for aiding the body with teas etc.... But when it comes to that area they happily talk about diapers for babies made from cedar cambium.... I would imagine women were caring for themselves long before the baby has another blowout lol Also, yes that is absolutely my almost 11 year old Autistic kiddo. Well was, now he wears two different socks. Thank you, From a personal perspective I wouldn't mind a bit longer videos if you feel like going into some subjects deeper, I wouldn't be opposed:) Ben
I've never heard anyone talk about ancient socks before, and I never knew that socks were even worn by ancient people. Also, those straw lined shoes worn by Otzi look extremely uncomfortable!
I have to agree Ötzi's straw lined shoes look decidedly uncomfortable but it doesn't make sense for them to be really uncomfortable because that would result in wounds on the wearer's feet, which in turn would lead to impaired mobility and perhaps infections, and you really don't want infections when you don't have antibiotics.
@@resourcedragon Yeah, that makes sense. It seems like there would have to be something softer inside the shoe that would protect from the straw being sharp.
I’d imagine the sweat from his feet would pretty quickly soften the straw; on the other hand, straw is firm enough that his walking and sweating wouldn’t completely smash it and it would still have the air spaces he needs for insulation. Just my thoughts.
I'm currently teaching myself to nalbind. It is so cool feeling connected to so far in the past through it. I am a lover and learner of all textile making methods. (I don't know all, but I am continually working towards that)
Some great booklets out there from people who have made it a real hobby to recreate. Uses many short (couple of feet to yard lengths.). Really worthwhile the fun of learning!
Oh, I hereby submit my petition to bring back the word 'wickelbander' into common use. I don't even care what we use it for; it can be the headband I use when I wash my face, or St Patrick's Day candy, or leg wraps, or an insult for a condescending man in a position of power. I just want a reason to say 'wickelbander' every now and then.
Round 1: Ötzi's shoe linings are close to being socks but I'd say they fall over the edge into being a padded shoe lining. (Was the outer leather layer attached to them? If yes, then, not a sock. If no, then, I'm wrong, they do count as socks.) Round 2: Pueblo shoe-sock. I could point to some modern day shoes that have shoe soles and clothing fabric uppers. (Shoes made with "shoe fabric" such as espadrilles or a lot of sports shoes have been around for a long time and are separate to these.) I could also point to socks that are intended as slipper-socks and which belong in the sock camp. I'm inclined to call the Pueblo shoe-socks shoes but I could be persuaded to call them socks if they were used more like slipper-socks. Round 3: Leg wrappings/foot rags. You didn't specifically illustrate foot rags which are even closer to socks than leg wrappings. There is at least one video on TH-cam of Russian soldiers learning how to put on foot rags. (My understanding is that foot rags were traditional in Russia and they were incorporated into the army uniform for that reason.) The Russians regard them as distinct from socks - and, as far as I can tell, almost all Russians now wear socks and not foot rags except when conscripted. The puttees you showed were worn in addition to socks, rather than instead of. For that matter, some of the stuff I've seen on historical clothing show the vindingr as being closer to 1980s leg warmers (in terms of how they were used) than socks - again, they were worn with socks (made with nalbinding) and shoes, not instead of socks. So I'm going to give the leg wrappings a "not a sock" rating. Round 4: When does a sock become a stocking? You didn't ask that but I'm going to say "When the wearer says that they are stockings, rather than socks." There might be some linguistic rabbit holes you could go down in search of the origins of that word.
Thank you so much for this comment! I loved reading your detailed explanation and rationales. Also, thanks for your note on foot rags. We definitely went down linguistic rabbit holes in researching this video :)
As a knitter and crocheter i found this to be so wonderful. Shows you how humans haven't changed much when it comes to creating vestments. Thank you for sharing this.
I started falling down the sock-rabbit hole a year or so ago when I watched a video about civilian volunteers making socks for soldiers during the first and second world wars. I'd vaguely assumed that there was some sort of steady sock supply chain, starting with farmers raising sock-wool sheep - or perhaps some parts of the fleece being set aside for sock making, and then woollen mills (or sections of woollen mills) that specialised in spinning the wool for sock making and, finally, the wool being dyed in a limited range of rather dull colours. Seems like pretty much all of that is wrong, other than that there are preferred ways of spinning for socks.
Until this video, I never had heard complaints about vocal fry before. Then I watched the linked video somebody provided. And I’m actually laughing. What has vocal fry got to do with anything, especially great content like this? Vocal fry or not, count me as a new subscriber. 😙
I always look forward to your content. As a knitter and spinner I'm interested in the history of fiber and its contribution to civilization. Keep up the good work.😄
As for Ötzi's inner shoe things... I think it depends on whether he wore them without the shoes. You have lost part of the sock function in your looking up definitions. Socks are frequently also worn around the house alone, not just with shoes. You don't call them a shoe, just because they are the only thing on your feet. But the shoe has a more durable sole, for walking on different terrain which can be painful to the foot. Socks are a foot warmer, as well as for making the shoe more comfortable. We wouldn't know how utilitarian Ötzi's inner shoe pieces were, and exactly how else they have been used. But socks are also about comfort. Ötzi's inner shoe things do not look to me as being overly comfortable. If they are made from dried reeds(?) (I feel like you described this really quickly, so I'm not totally sure)... I wouldn't call them a sock, but more like a 2-part shoe. I can't imagine he was puttering around his hut in the inner shoe parts. I also imagine he spent more time barefoot, and the shoes were for traversing the snow during his travels. Foot protection.
How does the date CE translate from AD and BC? Also if the male and female bodies had the same colors on their socks, do they think that it may be a clan marking similar to a tartan in Scotland?
AD for the years from 1 ‘til now and beyond stands for Anno Domini, Latin meaning ‘year of our lord.’ Some have tried to replace BC and AD with BCE and CE representing before common era and common era. Except for historical references, neither of these sets of terms are used much, and people are free to use either. A lot of academics use CE/BCE, so it’s good to know what they mean.
Glad there are others who provided helpful notes on dating terminology. In terms of what sock designs could represent, that's a good question that we will keep in mind for future videos.
Just yesterday I got up to make coffee. It was a bit cold so I put on my socks but put off shoes, wearing my flip-flops .. and wiggled my toes to form a "divided toe" sock. That people made socks like that for sandals makes total sense as that was what I was doing without thinking.
I vote: a sock=a single base layer. A shoe or sandal is secondary needing or not needing a sock. What is a slipper for indoor warmth... foot or protection but ment to cope w abrasion or dirt and mud.
#3> Not a sock, just a legwarmer because no feet, at least not covering the toes. #2> Not a sock, because worn without an additional shoe. But technique wise, definitely a precursor. #1>...... Inconclusive. how were these put on? Were the grass and netting put on first and then the outer shoe? Or were they assembled first and put on all together? Were they supposed to be put on separately but some people just kept them together (like never untying your tennies and using them like slip-ons?)... so many questions. Could you wear the grass and netting around the house without the outer shoe? Did some people ALWAYS have to have the grass and netting and other people HATED them? Were autistic folks very particular about their grass and netting?
12:10 Shoe-socks? Sockasins is a better word! 12:41 Plaited is not pronounced 'plated' - plait rhymes with cat. (Edit: not in the States, you know-it-all!)
Hi there! I'm human and can make pronunciation mistakes, though I try my best to look up terms and their pronunciations. In terms of "plaited", North American English speakers tend to pronounce like "plated/play-tuhd" and British English speakers "pla-tuhd". Both dialects of English (and any others) are completely valid to us :)
@smitinathan Oh I'm so sorry - I've never heard the word in American English - probably because in America the term braided is more commonly used - we say plaits (plats) in Britain for hair braids...
@@sillysausage2244, plaited is also used in America, but it denotes a specific style and type of braid. There's actually legislation that includes it because of professional licensing, and also dress codes. For example military dress codes allow it for some women in the service.
A tip. When editing include the breath before the first sentence to avoid sounding awkward. People breathe between sentences. It is easier to listen to you. I learned this when editing my own tapes (early 1980s) on WBAI in New York.
Thanks for your feedback. I actually started doing this for the video that will go up after this one (around January). I definitely hear the difference.
Then there were the Duro Europa socks, found in Syria. It was thought that they were an early example of knitting, using something called crossed easter stitch. Someone came up with a pattern, that would make a saint swear. I was elated when I learned the socks were made with nailbinding.
I would have one teeny negative comment, and that is for the pronunciation of the word ancient. It is often mispronounced as aink shint, but is supposed to be pronounced ain chint. There is no hard k sound. Other than that, I really enjoy learning of the history and seeing all of the wonderful archeological finds! ❤
2:56. It’s Japanese socks! Well, they are exactly the same design. Now I understand why I feel pain around the root of my big toe. I now wear the ancient design socks and the pain is long gone. I should wear throng sandals like Samurai.
Superb video with an epic fail! No mention of how the socks stay up anciently? Have you found ancient fossils of sock suspenders? Imagine the frustration of living in ancient times with your left sock bunched up around your toes. I believe Dr Nathan has stumbled upon Otzi the Ice man’s origin story. Chief to Otzi- “Why have you returned from the hunt with no meat?” Otzi- “The deer got away when my grass socks got caught between my toes. I couldn’t focus.” Chief- “Banish him!”
Flax linen (cellulose) fibers are oil base and last much longer than protein (wool, hair, etc) fibers. The slipper could have been patched with a Thistle or Hemp threads.
It seems to me she missed the most famous socks ever found in history; four pair of socks were found in King Tut's tomb. They looked like one of the red pair shown in the video but were not identified in that way. No King Tut socks; not much value to the video.
I don't think leg wrappings & puttees belong in the same category as foot wraps. *They're usually worn "with" socks.* (Foot wraps, on the other hand, are worn instead of socks & they function as socks.)
You can't get away from Christ. It strikes me that all the attempts at historical accuracy deliberately leave out the historical accuracy of BC and AD.
Everyone isn't a Christian, hon. The majority of the world population is not Christian. Imagine how Jews would feel about history being divided by the birth and death of a man they don't believe in. Or how about a Hindu who has no reason to denote eras by a religious figure not pertinent to their beliefs? History doesn't have to conform to your religious beliefs, nor should it. History belongs to all of us and shouldn't pander to any particular religious viewpoint. For that, go to church.
Considering I learned BCE & CE 40 years ago in a freshman social studies text book, this isnt a novel innovation. I heard from a history professor that its a lot older than that, too.
And even the scholars can't work out when he was born, (assuming that the gospels are talking about just one person), estimates range from 7 BCE to 5 CE. The expression "common era" or CE dates to 1615 and was first used by Johannes Kepler.
When it comes to "Is It a Sock?" let us know what you think about:
Round 1: Ötzi
Round 2: Pueblo Shoe-Socks
Round 3: Legwraps.
Feel free to reply to his thread or start your own in the comments section :)
I've always been fascinated by Otzi. I find it helpful to consider how I would wear or use something in a similar context. In Otzi's time, resources would have been a major concern. The goal in all things would have been getting the most use for the least cost in resources. Keep in mind time is also a resource.
Otzi's footwear is an excellent example. There were basically 3 layers: a cheap, but practical, inner layer, a tougher middle layer, and a durable and protective outer layer.
Consider the purpose of each layer. The innermost was for padding and heat retention, much like a modern sock. Being the layer touching the skin, it would have worn out quickly, probably in a matter of days. You don't want to waste a lot of time making something that has to be replaced weekly. If Otzi had to nalbind new socks every week, he would have starved to death. Grass was the practical solution. Grass doesn't hold it's shape though. The braided casing holding the grass against the foot was genius. It would probably last a few weeks. The outer layer I consider more of a shoe. It kept the feet warm and dry and provided a bit of protection for the sole of the foot.
The 3 layers working in tandem protected Otzi's feet, but also meant he had less downtime from having to stop and make new shoes constantly. Until the outer layer wore out, he only had to pause to replace the inner layers. It was extremely practical.
The Pueblo shoe socks are similar. They reflect the wearers' needs in the environment they lived in. Their climate was warm but sometimes cold at night. The terrain was rocky. Even homes had rough stone floors. A thin sock wouldn't last very long at all. I can understand why the soles were reinforced. Think of a modern work sock with reinforced heel and toe. They last much longer than a dress sock would in the same circumstances. The shoe socks provided protection from rocks and thorns while being thin enough to not get excessively hot. If need be grass could have been added to give more warmth in cold times. Outer shoes could have been worn over them if needed.
I vote yes for Otzi's braided sock with grass and yes for the Pueblo shoe socks. I vote no for legwraps because the wraps don't seem to do anything for the feet.
I concur in every instance of this well thought-out reply. Yes, for the Pueblo and Otzi socks, no for the leg wrappings or puttees.
@@lorisewsstuff1607 Thank you for your kind and detailed comment. I loved reading your thought process - especially surrounding functionality, time, and the environment. We have a fascination surrounding Ötzi too :)
@@fleetskipper1810 Thanks for your vote and kind note about @lorisewsstuff1607's comment :)
I'm not sure it is useful to ask if these ancient garments were socks according to our modern definition, any more than it would be useful to ask if Roman togas were dresses according to our modern definition. I think it is more useful to examine the materials and techniques in which they were made and understand how they were used, whatever we choose to call them (as you did). I do love that you chose a humble object to examine in the archeological record and asked, "How have humans in ancient times and far-off places dealt with these all-important yet supremely awkward appendages: feet?" As a crocheter and weaver, I would have loved a little demo of the nalbinding technique.
"So, socks and sandals have been a thing for a while." Well played, Dr, Nathan. Well played.
😁 thank you!
There is one red and white striped number from an early Christian grave in Egypt.
Back in my day, socks with sandals was strictly a "thing" for those with a decidedly lack of good taste.
I'm a curator and I LOVE LOVE when conservation is carried out thoughtfully and it makes the object stable enough for display. Creating appropriate mounts for objects is no easy task and the restored sock looks great.
Thank you so much for that note! That's amazing that you are a curator!
You’re prob a bot tho 😂
@@kateapple1 not a bot , but fan of nice bots (murderbot included)
I'm a crafter. I learned nalbinding because I was curious. Knitting and crochet are faster and easier, but I love learning ancient skills. This is a very interesting topic. Thanks.
Thank you for your kind note! Wishing you well on your crafting journey!
Nalbinding is great bc if you get a hole, it won't unravel
i’m knitting a sock as i’m watching this. it’s amazing to think that, if knitting evolved from nalbinding, then i’m part of a tradition that goes back thousands of years.
That's amazing! Thanks for sharing that :)
Me too :)
Whether or not knitting _evolved_ from nalbinding is an interesting question. Early knitting was done in the round (purling was invented a lot later than knitting) and some of the earliest surviving examples are from the middle east where they were also known to do nalbinding.
However, sock _making_ definitely goes back a long way, and knitted socks/stockings go back a good thousand years, if not longer.
I'm teaching myself to nalbind!
@ that’s so cool!
I can't speak for anyone else, but I find this just as fascinating as an unearthed settlement.
Thank you!! That comment means a ton!
Personally, I think it's more fascinating as fiber tends to rot away quite fast.
I was a mechanic but have always loved stuff like this
If you ever get a chance, the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto is absolutely fascinating for shoes and socks, and textile conservation as a whole. I saw Napoléon's socks there!
Thank you so much for that tip! It looks fascinating from the website and I hope to make it out there one day!
So, I may now wear socks with sandals, knowing I'm anciently fashionable, not a modern nerd.
Yes, you totally can 🧦🩴
...maybe get Egyptian-themed socks for sandal-wearing...
And don't confine yourself to Egyptological matters. I suspect a Roman soldier on Hadrian's Wall in winter would have been keen on wearing military caligae without some really nerdy socks.
@@alecblunden8615: I've seen other videos on ancient socks and, yes, the Romans definitely had toe socks* (nice, stripey little numbers, like the Egyptian ones) for wearing with sandals.
If you want to knit your socks, there is at least one pattern for toe socks on Ravelry, you could modify it to big toe + the other 4. I'm pretty sure there is at least one video on how to make nalbinding socks on TH-cam.
* Big toe divided from the other 4, not all 5 toes separate.
But being so interested in passé fashion will still make you a nerd? Trust me you can't win against hot fashion. So just be happy as you are, no justifications required
So fascinating! Makes me want to add Nalbinding to my fiber arts skills!
Thank you! We're cheering you on as you try out nalbinding :)
Same! Immediately made a note to look it up. 😊
These ancient socks are so intimate. What kind of person rocked stripey four colour socks? Was the sock in York mended because the owner was poor, or was it a sentimental clothing item made by someone dear who was far away? Who made sure that Ötzi’s feet would be warm?
I love these questions that really consider the individual and their experience. Thank you for sharing them.
I've seen other videos on ancient socks. Multi-coloured socks seem to have been the norm, rather than the exception, at least in Egypt and the Roman empire.
@ I love that!
I'm thinking if you were rich enough to have socks- you were prob going to show off all the dye colors of wool you could afford- just like the purple on the robes of Roman senators. But that might only apply to matching socks, rather than the lower class people who might save any scraps of wool to add in to darn any hole.
Socks! What an innovation in Eastern Europe as recently as my father's generation. I'm 61. My father showed me the technique of the "foot cloth", used extensively on the Eastern front in Czechoslovakia. A long strip of cotton or linen, wrapped in a specific pattern around the foot. Socks? Who ever heard of Socks? Wrap it correctly and you have a decent covering under your boot. Wrapped carelessly, you have agony for miles of marching through the frozen battleground. My Dad is gonna show me again tomorrow. He told me that his father only wore real socks on Sunday. The rest of the week, foot cloths.
...ask your dad if he'll allow you to capture the entire process using a smart phone w/camera set to VIDEO.
Thank you for sharing this! That was fascinating to read. Enjoy the time with your Dad :)
If you decide to share it, drop a link here :)
I saw a video not long ago that said Russia was starting to issue soldiers foot cloths again due to socks being more expensive and harder to make
They're very comfortable if you wrap it right. Not faster than a sock, though. Sock is like having to those hook-eyelets on boots: faster, but not the only way.
I was on a quest to find more wholesome content to add to my youtube feed, and am so happy I found you! These little tidbits are fascinating and you make them so easy to digest. Thank you for sharing your knowledge 😊❤️
Thank you for your kind note. I really appreciate it :) In case you're interested and looking for more content, I often post about other channels and videos that I think my audience might find interesting in my community posts :)
@@smitinathanAwesome! I’ll keep an eye out for that ❤️
One of the things my kith and kin know me for is my love of colorful and patterned socks. It seems that I have joined an ancient and vibrant tradition of people who may submit to ordinary apparel for the most part, but won't have our colorful natures subdued entirely. I love that connection to the ancestors. ❤
Thank you for sharing this. I'm also a fan of colorful socks from across the world and time!
Yes! Sock and sandals!!! I’m a knitter and love knitting socks, especially because I can customize the size, appearance and comfort, according to my own taste. I think a sock is an object you can use multiple times, without the need of conforming the material to your feet or legs time and time again, so the Pueblo’s is the only sock for me. Thanks for this video!
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and a bit about yourself! I loved hearing your rationale of what you consider a sock.
I cant do it now but as a child I was taught how to knit socks using 4 needles. Turning the heel was a sort of standard thing you just learned. No need for a pattern. I knitted socks well into my teens. 4 ply wool and size 12 needles.
Just subscribed when this popped up. Ancient clothing has always fascinated me. Just making a sock from a pile of plant or animal fibres, the entire process is just so cool. Household goods, how we survived is just fascinating.
I appreciate the female perspective as well. So much has been missing for decades just from ignorance. I saw you have a video on tampons. My books etc... all reference many different plants for aiding the body with teas etc.... But when it comes to that area they happily talk about diapers for babies made from cedar cambium.... I would imagine women were caring for themselves long before the baby has another blowout lol
Also, yes that is absolutely my almost 11 year old Autistic kiddo. Well was, now he wears two different socks.
Thank you,
From a personal perspective I wouldn't mind a bit longer videos if you feel like going into some subjects deeper, I wouldn't be opposed:)
Ben
Nice to hear some socks have been found. Cold toes have always been a problem.
:)
and then there is the Russian Portoyanki foot wrap! Interesting and thrilled to see the nalbinding cited!
Excited to look into that! Thanks for your note.
I've never heard anyone talk about ancient socks before, and I never knew that socks were even worn by ancient people. Also, those straw lined shoes worn by Otzi look extremely uncomfortable!
Thanks for your note Matthew! Your note on Ötzi made me think more about comfort and ancient clothing in general. Thanks for that :)
@@smitinathan You're welcome! 🙂
I have to agree Ötzi's straw lined shoes look decidedly uncomfortable but it doesn't make sense for them to be really uncomfortable because that would result in wounds on the wearer's feet, which in turn would lead to impaired mobility and perhaps infections, and you really don't want infections when you don't have antibiotics.
@@resourcedragon Yeah, that makes sense. It seems like there would have to be something softer inside the shoe that would protect from the straw being sharp.
I’d imagine the sweat from his feet would pretty quickly soften the straw; on the other hand, straw is firm enough that his walking and sweating wouldn’t completely smash it and it would still have the air spaces he needs for insulation. Just my thoughts.
So glad you mentioned the Cherchen man. He’s wearing some beautifully colored, wool roving that was wound into knee-length “socks”.
Thanks for your note!
I'm currently teaching myself to nalbind. It is so cool feeling connected to so far in the past through it. I am a lover and learner of all textile making methods. (I don't know all, but I am continually working towards that)
Thank you for sharing that! That's amazing you're teaching yourself to nalbind and we wish you well in learning to do so :)
Textile nerd here! Thank you for posting this analysis! ❤
Thanks for your kind note!
Some great booklets out there from people who have made it a real hobby to recreate. Uses many short (couple of feet to yard lengths.). Really worthwhile the fun of learning!
Thanks for sharing!
As someone who is notorious for losing socks, I truly appreciated this video!
LOVE THIS!! I couldn't find a sock today so I totally relate!
Maybe archaeologists of the future will end up appreciating your donations to knowledge about early 21st century textiles.
I love thinking about lost socks in this way!
Oh, I hereby submit my petition to bring back the word 'wickelbander' into common use. I don't even care what we use it for; it can be the headband I use when I wash my face, or St Patrick's Day candy, or leg wraps, or an insult for a condescending man in a position of power. I just want a reason to say 'wickelbander' every now and then.
Well, those 1980s leg warmers need a better name.
Round 1: Ötzi's shoe linings are close to being socks but I'd say they fall over the edge into being a padded shoe lining. (Was the outer leather layer attached to them? If yes, then, not a sock. If no, then, I'm wrong, they do count as socks.)
Round 2: Pueblo shoe-sock. I could point to some modern day shoes that have shoe soles and clothing fabric uppers. (Shoes made with "shoe fabric" such as espadrilles or a lot of sports shoes have been around for a long time and are separate to these.) I could also point to socks that are intended as slipper-socks and which belong in the sock camp. I'm inclined to call the Pueblo shoe-socks shoes but I could be persuaded to call them socks if they were used more like slipper-socks.
Round 3: Leg wrappings/foot rags. You didn't specifically illustrate foot rags which are even closer to socks than leg wrappings. There is at least one video on TH-cam of Russian soldiers learning how to put on foot rags. (My understanding is that foot rags were traditional in Russia and they were incorporated into the army uniform for that reason.) The Russians regard them as distinct from socks - and, as far as I can tell, almost all Russians now wear socks and not foot rags except when conscripted. The puttees you showed were worn in addition to socks, rather than instead of. For that matter, some of the stuff I've seen on historical clothing show the vindingr as being closer to 1980s leg warmers (in terms of how they were used) than socks - again, they were worn with socks (made with nalbinding) and shoes, not instead of socks. So I'm going to give the leg wrappings a "not a sock" rating.
Round 4: When does a sock become a stocking? You didn't ask that but I'm going to say "When the wearer says that they are stockings, rather than socks." There might be some linguistic rabbit holes you could go down in search of the origins of that word.
Thank you so much for this comment! I loved reading your detailed explanation and rationales. Also, thanks for your note on foot rags. We definitely went down linguistic rabbit holes in researching this video :)
I agree, on round 2. I was thinking those looked/were described like slipper socks.
I would call 2 a slipper sock.
As a knitter and crocheter i found this to be so wonderful. Shows you how humans haven't changed much when it comes to creating vestments. Thank you for sharing this.
Thanks so much for your note! I am glad you enjoyed the video!
So good! Thank you.
Thanks so much!
Another amazing video! Thank you ❤
Thanks for your continued support!
Thank you for the video.
Thanks for your kind note :)
Socks are far more interesting than i ever gave them credit for
I started falling down the sock-rabbit hole a year or so ago when I watched a video about civilian volunteers making socks for soldiers during the first and second world wars. I'd vaguely assumed that there was some sort of steady sock supply chain, starting with farmers raising sock-wool sheep - or perhaps some parts of the fleece being set aside for sock making, and then woollen mills (or sections of woollen mills) that specialised in spinning the wool for sock making and, finally, the wool being dyed in a limited range of rather dull colours. Seems like pretty much all of that is wrong, other than that there are preferred ways of spinning for socks.
Thanks for your note :)
Great information👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Thank you so much!
Great video Smiti, sych an interesting topic! Going to have to go check out the Egyptian sock at the NMS sometime!
Thanks so much Rachel! I appreciate it :) Please send along a picture if you see the Egyptian sock at NMS!
I really enjoyed the content and also the engaging presentation.
Thank you so much for your kind note! I appreciate it.
Thank you. Loved it
Thank you so much!
Until this video, I never had heard complaints about vocal fry before. Then I watched the linked video somebody provided. And I’m actually laughing. What has vocal fry got to do with anything, especially great content like this?
Vocal fry or not, count me as a new subscriber. 😙
Thanks so much for the kind note. I appreciate it :)
I always look forward to your content. As a knitter and spinner I'm interested in the history of fiber and its contribution to civilization. Keep up the good work.😄
Thanks for your note and continued support! I appreciate it!
Striped socks going strong for thousands of years just gives me joy. ☺️ 🧦
Yes!
As for Ötzi's inner shoe things... I think it depends on whether he wore them without the shoes.
You have lost part of the sock function in your looking up definitions. Socks are frequently also worn around the house alone, not just with shoes. You don't call them a shoe, just because they are the only thing on your feet. But the shoe has a more durable sole, for walking on different terrain which can be painful to the foot.
Socks are a foot warmer, as well as for making the shoe more comfortable. We wouldn't know how utilitarian Ötzi's inner shoe pieces were, and exactly how else they have been used.
But socks are also about comfort. Ötzi's inner shoe things do not look to me as being overly comfortable. If they are made from dried reeds(?) (I feel like you described this really quickly, so I'm not totally sure)... I wouldn't call them a sock, but more like a 2-part shoe. I can't imagine he was puttering around his hut in the inner shoe parts. I also imagine he spent more time barefoot, and the shoes were for traversing the snow during his travels. Foot protection.
Thank you so much for this detailed comment and observations! Your note on wearing socks around the house is a good point. Thanks again!
How does the date CE translate from AD and BC? Also if the male and female bodies had the same colors on their socks, do they think that it may be a clan marking similar to a tartan in Scotland?
I had to look it up myself it's for common area, as in AD. didn't know people were using this term now.
AD for the years from 1 ‘til now and beyond stands for Anno Domini, Latin meaning ‘year of our lord.’ Some have tried to replace BC and AD with BCE and CE representing before common era and common era. Except for historical references, neither of these sets of terms are used much, and people are free to use either. A lot of academics use CE/BCE, so it’s good to know what they mean.
At least she didnt use BP-before present. That one is terribly unhelpful
Glad there are others who provided helpful notes on dating terminology. In terms of what sock designs could represent, that's a good question that we will keep in mind for future videos.
@@olivegrove-gl3tw I believe you mean "common era."
THE CONVERGENCE OF BOTH OF MY SPECIAL INTERESTS!!! NEEDLE/FIBER ARTS AND ARCHAEOLOGY/ANTHROPOLOGY
I’ve wondered about ancient socks. Now I know. ❤️
Thanks for your kind note!
Just yesterday I got up to make coffee. It was a bit cold so I put on my socks but put off shoes, wearing my flip-flops .. and wiggled my toes to form a "divided toe" sock. That people made socks like that for sandals makes total sense as that was what I was doing without thinking.
Thank you for sharing this! That's AWESOME!
I vote: a sock=a single base layer. A shoe or sandal is secondary needing or not needing a sock. What is a slipper for indoor warmth... foot or protection but ment to cope w abrasion or dirt and mud.
Thanks so much for sharing!
#3> Not a sock, just a legwarmer because no feet, at least not covering the toes. #2> Not a sock, because worn without an additional shoe. But technique wise, definitely a precursor. #1>...... Inconclusive. how were these put on? Were the grass and netting put on first and then the outer shoe? Or were they assembled first and put on all together? Were they supposed to be put on separately but some people just kept them together (like never untying your tennies and using them like slip-ons?)... so many questions. Could you wear the grass and netting around the house without the outer shoe? Did some people ALWAYS have to have the grass and netting and other people HATED them? Were autistic folks very particular about their grass and netting?
Thank you for your responses and your additional questions! It's wonderful to hear your thought process.
Those are big toes on that Egyptian sock! It makes me think of the Vadoma tribe of Tanzania.
I don’t wear socks. Nobody will ever remember me.
Maybe another artifact then?
@smitinathan Several, but less appealing than dirty socks.
12:10 Shoe-socks? Sockasins is a better word! 12:41 Plaited is not pronounced 'plated' - plait rhymes with cat. (Edit: not in the States, you know-it-all!)
Hi there! I'm human and can make pronunciation mistakes, though I try my best to look up terms and their pronunciations. In terms of "plaited", North American English speakers tend to pronounce like "plated/play-tuhd" and British English speakers "pla-tuhd". Both dialects of English (and any others) are completely valid to us :)
@smitinathan Oh I'm so sorry - I've never heard the word in American English - probably because in America the term braided is more commonly used - we say plaits (plats) in Britain for hair braids...
@@sillysausage2244 Good to know. Thanks for sharing!
@@sillysausage2244, plaited is also used in America, but it denotes a specific style and type of braid. There's actually legislation that includes it because of professional licensing, and also dress codes. For example military dress codes allow it for some women in the service.
"Shoe-socks" sounds strange. I'd have said "slippers" (though it's true that modern slippers don't cover the ankle),
A tip. When editing include the breath before the first sentence to avoid sounding awkward. People breathe between sentences. It is easier to listen to you. I learned this when editing my own tapes (early 1980s) on WBAI in New York.
Thanks for your feedback. I actually started doing this for the video that will go up after this one (around January). I definitely hear the difference.
What is fladdened?
Flattened…I think.
Yes, I meant to stay "flattened".Though "fladdened" could be a fun new term for something in the future :)
@@smitinathan Ah I wasnt sure if it was a textile specific jargon word.
All good! Totally fair question!
Then there were the Duro Europa socks, found in Syria. It was thought that they were an early example of knitting, using something called crossed easter stitch. Someone came up with a pattern, that would make a saint swear. I was elated when I learned the socks were made with nailbinding.
Thanks for sharing that! Looking forward to exploring that find :)
I would have one teeny negative comment, and that is for the pronunciation of the word ancient. It is often mispronounced as aink shint, but is supposed to be pronounced ain chint. There is no hard k sound.
Other than that, I really enjoy learning of the history and seeing all of the wonderful archeological finds! ❤
Imagine being telling your parents you want to study socks.
Did people only have to large toes back then?
2:56. It’s Japanese socks! Well, they are exactly the same design. Now I understand why I feel pain around the root of my big toe. I now wear the ancient design socks and the pain is long gone. I should wear throng sandals like Samurai.
Thanks so much for sharing!
Don't be silly, the oldest socks on earth are in a drawer at my ex mother in law's house. At least a thousand bazillion years old.
Superb video with an epic fail! No mention of how the socks stay up anciently? Have you found ancient fossils of sock suspenders?
Imagine the frustration of living in ancient times with your left sock bunched up around your toes.
I believe Dr Nathan has stumbled upon Otzi the Ice man’s origin story.
Chief to Otzi- “Why have you returned from the hunt with no meat?”
Otzi- “The deer got away when my grass socks got caught between my toes. I couldn’t focus.”
Chief- “Banish him!”
Flax linen (cellulose) fibers are oil base and last much longer than protein (wool, hair, etc) fibers. The slipper could have been patched with a Thistle or Hemp threads.
Fair point! Thanks for your note.
Love the divided toe socks...I'm wearing them now...yes, I wear socks w my flip flops...feels good to be validated
Lol
Love that!
Interesting
Waterlogged stuff could be at the bottom of crannog sites!
It seems to me she missed the most famous socks ever found in history; four pair of socks were found in King Tut's tomb. They looked like one of the red pair shown in the video but were not identified in that way. No King Tut socks; not much value to the video.
Harsh.🤨
.....NIKE AIR Rift SOCKS,,,,,,,,THESE ARE made currently and are available online.......& Yes they will fit the split toe margiallas😉
They found a little inside out shirt in an Egyptian tomb. A little kid must have removed and discarded the little shirt.
I don't think leg wrappings & puttees belong in the same category as foot wraps. *They're usually worn "with" socks.* (Foot wraps, on the other hand, are worn instead of socks & they function as socks.)
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment!
So it ISN’T the dryer!
There's always a chance ;)
ancient people with matching socks :')
We need socks appeal!😋
😅🤣🙌🏽
Neglects to say Cherchen man was a Caucasian, found in the heart of Asia. Thats the real story.
❤.
Must have been difficult to keep your feet dry and warm in snowy and rainy climates...
After researching this video, I'm quite curious about other foot-related wardrobe items in the past.
Wool felt boots?
You'll never find the left one!
A true archaeological mystery :)
@@smitinathan
lollllllll :D
Hey someone tried to sell the pope's sticking and shoes! On a pawn show.
Oh hai 🧸 😂
🧸 👋🏽
So Egyptains invented socks and sandals. *wrings hands
Not pronounced Peblo, pronounced Pweblo.
Thanks for sharing that! I'm always trying to improve and get pronunciations right.
1. This is lining.
2. These are ugg boots.
3. These are more like trouser legs than socks.
Thanks for sharing your vote!
Pueblo [PUH WEB LO]
Cochin yahoodi?
Those Mummies in China are white Aryans. Very interesting
Nope.
Soooooo....churchinWoman ?
They got it from some gnomes...
LOL!
Can we please make vocal fry illegal? What an abomination!😖
While it was bad, at least she didn’t speak in uptalk!
Toooo much vocal fry
Sadly I too found the commentary harsh and jarring such a pity
Enjoyed the content, but couldn’t listen to the end because of the raspy, forced voice ending each sentence, sorry.
Interesting subject, but I couldn't watch more than two minutes, because of your annoying vocal fry.
I enjoyed their voice.
You can't get away from Christ. It strikes me that all the attempts at historical accuracy deliberately leave out the historical accuracy of BC and AD.
Everyone isn't a Christian, hon. The majority of the world population is not Christian. Imagine how Jews would feel about history being divided by the birth and death of a man they don't believe in. Or how about a Hindu who has no reason to denote eras by a religious figure not pertinent to their beliefs? History doesn't have to conform to your religious beliefs, nor should it. History belongs to all of us and shouldn't pander to any particular religious viewpoint. For that, go to church.
Considering I learned BCE & CE 40 years ago in a freshman social studies text book, this isnt a novel innovation. I heard from a history professor that its a lot older than that, too.
And even the scholars can't work out when he was born, (assuming that the gospels are talking about just one person), estimates range from 7 BCE to 5 CE.
The expression "common era" or CE dates to 1615 and was first used by Johannes Kepler.
Had to exit! Dreadful harsh voice
CE/BCE is so stupid and childish as-well as being bigoted. AD/BC is the proper way to say the date without being a bigot
CE/BCE are in use to disconnect it from the Christian connection, as the past represents many religions and cultures.