Sprang

Sprang is a textile handwork technique for the production of net-like knit braiding of parallel spanning threads. These braids are stretchy and can belt be used for example as a hair net, or bag.

Definition

Sprang is a chain material process with active chain in which, in contrast to weaving only a system of parallel spanned threads is used, a weft thread is not needed. By crossing or twisting of the warp thread groups or individual creates a resilient, more or less dense network. Depending on which warp threads are crossed with each other, gives rise to various patterns or bond forms. These are divided into Immersion, straw and twine binding Sprang. The term comes from the Swedish Sprang.

Technology

As an aid for the production of braids in Sprang technique an attachment for the warp threads is needed. That must be a loom or loom, a low hanging branch, two chair backs or a simple rectangular frame sufficient. Usually the chain between two thin rods or cords is tensioned. These are mounted at the desired distance from each other, the thread is wound at a uniform voltage across the rods. At the beginning and end of the warp is knotted at the top bar. The threads forward of the rods are then crossed with the behind the bars of threads. Here, above and below the working position crossovers occur. Using the finger or a rod, this interlacing points are shifted to the ends of the chain. When further work so grows the braid from both ends towards the middle. Finally the last row is threaded in the middle of a band or the mesh stitches are looped into each other, to prevent absorption.

History

Europe and North Africa

• 3000 - 1500 BC

The oldest references to textiles in Sprang technique come from the Neolithic (New Stone Age ). On the bottom of some pottery from Rietzmeck, Circle Roßlau, there are imprints of the mesh on which they stood to dry. According to its structure, these were likely to Sprang.

The oldest surviving Sprang braid was found in 1871 in a Bronze Age grave mound in Denmark. In the grave of the woman from Borum Eshøj, near Aarhus, a completely preserved hairnet made ​​of fine wool found. Also from the Bronze Age woman also grave of Skrydstrup there is another full hairnet.

• 800-500 BC

Two other findings are from Danish bogs from the Hallstatt period: The bog bodies of Haraldskær woman and the wife of Arden woolen hair nets were each among other garments found.

• 500-50 BC

From the La Tène period comes not only a textile fragment from a Spanish grave, which may have been made ​​in Sprang technique, also from the funeral of Prince Glauberg comes a find a Sprang work.

• Ca 100 AD

In a garbage pit of the Roman settlement of Vindonissa, Switzerland, a fragment was found in wool that is interpreted as a hairnet.

• 400-700 AD

The preserved by far the largest number Sprang textiles comes from Coptic graves. From 1880 on they were in Upper Egypt, primarily near Akhmim, excavated. In them several well-preserved headwear and bags were found from natural linen or wool dyed. Technically, the Coptic Sprang works are very well developed and complicated.

These unusual findings are due to the fact that the Copts their dead fully clothed and buried with numerous additions from everyday life. The graves were above the flood zone of the Nile created in dry sand, so that the organic material was rarely exposed to decomposition by bacteria. So were wool, linen, leather and wood obtained.

• 6th century AD

In a bog near Tegle, Norway became a couple woolen leg warmers / leggings found out Jumped. Both leggings were worked as a part, then separated and finishes at the edges with Brettchengewebe. The surface is decorated with a pattern of triangles. The gaiters extend from the ankle to the knee, have no foot portion and worked as a tube.

• About 850 AD

From the ship of Oseberg grave comes a wooden frame, which may have been used as Flechtrahmen for Sprang work. An interpretation as a loom for tapestry is equally possible.

In a spat York was similar to those from the 6th century found, it is made of wool, and has a stripe pattern.

Small fragments of Sprang works were found in some graves in Birka, Sweden.

South America

Sprang was not only widespread in Europe, in South America this textile technique was used. 1957 some cylindrical bags and various fragments of cotton in Asia were found on the Peruvian coast. They date from the late pre - ceramic period.

• 500-300 BC

Two Sprang fragments that were perhaps too headgear, taken from the graves of Paracas Cavernas, Peru. Both are made ​​of orange wool and fully patterned with fish, snakes and birds.

• 300 BC - 500 AD

From the Nazca culture in Peru numerous textiles originate in Sprang art. They were found near the eponymous town of Nazca. They range from very elaborate and finely crafted scarves to simple pockets and pouches.

A narrow band of cotton comes from Mule Creek Cave in New Mexico.

In Tonto Monument, Arizona, a shirt with a complicated lace pattern was found. There are fringe on the bottom edge. Probably it is at the front and back halves of the same order Sprang work.