Where are the Socks in the Archaeological Record?

#archaeology #archaeologist #textilehistory #socks #sockshorts #archaeologylovers #archaeologyfacts

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Noor Hanania: @BarknoorZ (edited this short)

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Hi! I’m Smiti. I've studied and traveled the world doing archaeology for the past 15+ years [yes, I have a Ph.D. in it :)]. While I still do research, I love sharing what we do beyond academic journal articles.

[randysollars]

That was surprisingly interesting. Thank you

[reginaldwelkin]

I wonder if a large part of this is also that people didn't consider them worth preserving. You might save a fancy embroidered royal outfit for generations but a random sock is likely to be disposed of or used even if it was found in perfect condition generations later.

[timefoolery]

I just want someone to figure out why one of every pair of socks goes on Walkabout every time I do laundry!

[Mother.Mulberry]

My mom crochets booties, and I love this information. Wonder if a sock would fair well in the Karoo. ❤

[weisemari]

I love your video and the information.

[anthonyburke]

My family is military, it’s been military as far back as you can go, we have ancestors who served in the militaries of England, France, Sweden, Spain. Part of the oral history is the fact that it was regarded as an essential military skill to both be able to knit socks and to sew well enough to make pair of pants, a short and to darn. Those skills were taught to all male children. I’m convinced the weird shapes they find in Roman military excavations are ancient knitting aids.

[pamelabough]

Natural fibres do break down. Don't worry polyester and other synthetic fires do not so you'll not only find socks but you will find the colours people wore when you are an archeologicalist in a thousand years or so.

[hypsyzygy]

Socks are used until they're holey, then they're darned, then worn until they fall apart, then they might be unravelled and reformed into coarse thread and reknitted into other garments or string.
Precious fabrics aren't used for everyday clothes. These are more likely to be preserved. There is the 'Peacock Dress' that was created at exceptional expense for Lady Curzon, the wife of the Viceroy of India, in 1901-2 for the Delhi Durbar. It was worn only once and is preserved at the family home (under the care of the UK's National Trust). A dressmaker attempting to create a copy estimated it would take 30 man-years to complete.

[flickingbollocks]

Socks are still running away to this day...

[dottiesullivan]

Oh yeah, save the sock😊my new bumper sticker

[authormichellefranklin]

I'm blaming the Romans because they invented socks and sandals.