Was the lacing done with a single cord (spiral style) or 2 cords (cris-cross method).
Are there pics/close-ups showing this anywhere?
~ Joleicia / Carolyn Holley
Message #1008, April 10, 2003
The only evidence for what kind of lacing was used that I know of is [this image from the Winchester Psalter]:
It depicts (sends up?) the costume of a knight (yes male garb), but does clearly show spiral lacing through eyelets.
This is evidence of spiral lacing being used for males. It doesn’t PROVE this was the only kind of lacing used (but other kinds of lacing don’t seem to be discovered until much later), nor that the same kind of lacing was used on female garb. Still I’d say it’s our best guess. Especially when you see the rest of the evidence – I haven’t found a single other picture that was unequivacally laced (2 probably laced females, but tenuous evidence). Still there’s plenty more pictures, perhaps something will turn up.
~ Teffania / Tiffany Brown
Message #1009, April 10, 2003
There is a really good picture of spiral side lacing, again male, in the article “Well cut through the body: Fitted clothing in twelfth-century Europe” by Christina Frieda Waugh. It appeared in DRESS Vol 26, 1999.
The caption reads:
“Saint John, from the Deposition of Christ, west portal, Cathedral, Oloron-Sainte-Marie, Gascony, mid-12th century. The Artist depicts a tight garment laced closed along the side with triangular gores sewn into the skirt at the front, side, and back.”
It is a very detailed low relief sculpture. It appears that the artist even attempted to show the stitches on the gores. Saint John is also wearing a funky belt. It looks like the weight belts that many fighters wear to protect their lower backs.
~ Louise de La Mare
Message #1010, April 10, 2003
I too have noted the odd belt form (male only so far) that is considerably larger in the back area, yet narrows and ties in the front. Anyone have any ideas on this?
~ Katrine / Katherine Barich
Message #1011, April 10, 2003