The following Knot Works was produced in 2009. Marlinspike Seamanship, Macramé, Decorative knotting, what do all these have in common? It is simply KNOTS.
Macramé, as we know it, dates back to the 13th century. The Spanish word itself comes from the Arabic word migramah meaning decorative fringe. The art itself was brought to Spain by the Moors during their conquest in 711 AD. It was later passed into Europe and became the art of the sailor.
Sailors spent many hours at sea with nothing to do and Macramé became their pastime. Rope was readily available and so was the time. The art form was simple as it used square knots and half hitches a technique that could easily be done aboard ship. Sailors quickly turned this art form into something called Marlinspike Seamanship. This new form was passed on as sailors made their travels.
They quickly learned that Marlinspike Seamanship could be used not only for fanciful covering but it had a purpose as well. The covering of knife handles to prevent slipping. The covering of bottles to prevent them from breaking. The making of bell ropes, ship rail covering, mats, rugs, beckets for chests etc. Whatever the sailor’s mind could conger up it was more than likely capable of being knotted.
During the American Civil war period, sailors were no different. While on Blockading Duty, there was much idle time so the sailors would turn to their art. Today the Navy still upholds the tradition of knotting and true Marlinspike Seamanship. You will find many fanciful decorative knotting aboard any ship of any country. Those versed in the art are true sailors. The tradition lives on through many living history units and the International Guild of Knot Tyers.
On this page you will find some of my Marlinspike Seamanship….. Enjoy, it will be updated after every creation.
Green 16 Inch Bottle
The green 16 inch bottle was covered using traditional square knots. One small Turks Heads adorns the neck of the bottle. This bottle was covered with hemp cording.
(Made 02/17/2010)
Angel Bottles
Three Christmas bottles, two angels and one cross. These were made and donated to Pastor Randall at Goshen, Arkansas First Baptist Church. These works show the decorative knotting work produced by sailors. These bottles are covered with over 785 feet of Small Cotton line and took over 37 hours to make.
(MADE 12/12/2010)
Small Crown Bottle
The Crown Bottle was covered with traditional square knots and a French Spiral pattern adorns the neck of the bottle. This bottle was covered with small cotton line. (MADE 03/06/2010)
12 Inch Bell Rope
The Knotted Bell Rope was knotted using grafting methods as well as round knotting with a globe knot at the end of the handle. The Bell Rope was made from Cotton Line.
(MADE 03/17/2010)
24 Inch Star Knot Weapon
This project represents weapons of the time period for sailors fashion out of Cotton rope using the knots of their trade. (Made 04/10/2010)
30 Foot Rope Necklace
This rope necklace is made from a continuous 30 foot piece of cotton line. Showing off the classic and traditional fancy knot work.
(Made04/20/2010)
Manila Rope Mat
The Rope Mat was used aboard ships on ladder runs so as to prevent slipping. This project was produced with Manila Rope. (Made 09/05/2010)
Canvas Knot Board
The traditional Knot Board taken to the next level. Mnay different knots adorn the canvas in the middle a battleship. This project was done for a retirement gift of a Vietnam era navy Gunner's Mate.