Podcast Summary: "Plain Sailing: The Cloth That Turned The Tide of History"
Podcast Information
- Title: Haptic & Hue
- Host: Jo Andrews
- Episode: Plain Sailing: The Cloth That Turned The Tide of History
- Release Date: November 7, 2024
Introduction: The Centrality of Textiles in History
In this episode of Haptic & Hue, host Jo Andrews delves into the pivotal role that sails—and by extension, textiles—have played in shaping human history. Contrary to the perception that textiles are niche, Andrews argues that they are integral to our cultural and historical narratives, often overlooked in standard educational materials.
Historical Significance of Sails
Jo Andrews opens the discussion by emphasizing the fundamental importance of sails in human advancement:
“[...] sails were the very stuff of travel, trade, exploration, war and empire. Without sails, there would have been no Greek and Trojan wars, no Viking empire, no Columbus or Magellan.”
— Jo Andrews [00:20]
She highlights how sails enabled significant historical events and expansions, from the ancient Egyptian riverboats to the great voyages of exploration and the establishment of empires.
Archaeological Insights: Professor Lies Bender Jorgensen’s Expertise
Professor Lies Bender Jorgensen, an expert in prehistoric textiles, provides context on the challenges of studying ancient sails:
“Textiles are organic materials and they quickly disappear. [...] They are studied by women. [...] the Industrial Revolution has meant that textiles are now produced in huge numbers. We have forgotten the relationship between labor and raw materials.”
— Professor Lies Bender Jorgensen [01:46]
Jorgensen discusses the scarcity of preserved textile evidence and the historical undervaluation of textile studies, which has traditionally been associated with women's work.
Earliest Evidence and the Egyptian Contribution
The conversation shifts to the earliest known depictions and remnants of sails:
“The earliest depiction of a sail we have is on a vase in the British Museum and it shows a small riverboat from the Nile.”
— Jo Andrews [02:57]
Professor Bender Jorgensen elaborates that while Egyptian evidence dates back to approximately 3,500 years ago, it doesn’t necessarily imply they were the sole inventors of sails:
“Inventions rarely only appear once. [...] you should never say never.”
— Professor Lies Bender Jorgensen [04:28]
Ancient Sailcloth: Archaeological Discoveries
Jo Andrews details the oldest physical sailcloth fragments, discovered in Egypt and the Red Sea:
“Fragments of a sail survive because it was torn up and used as packing for a mummy.”
— Jo Andrews [05:32]
These fragments reveal construction techniques and material origins, indicating a blend of Egyptian and foreign influences, particularly from India and Sri Lanka.
Vikings and Wool Sails
Transitioning to the Viking era, the podcast explores the innovative use of wool for sailmaking in Norway:
“People everywhere made sail cloths out of the fibers that were available to them. [...] they opted for food over fiber.”
— Professor Lies Bender Jorgensen [10:38]
Norwegian coastal conditions favored sheep farming, making wool a practical alternative to plant-based fibers like flax or hemp, which were less viable due to limited arable land.
Reconstructing Viking Sailmaking
A collaborative project involving Scandinavian and UK institutions aimed to reconstruct woolen Viking sails revealed the extensive labor required:
“What is it that makes a web suitable for sailcloth? [...] It was definitely the dressing, or as he called the smoking.”
— Professor Lies Bender Jorgensen [13:13]
Jorgensen explains that the Vikings employed traditional dressing techniques using a mixture of tallow, fish oil, and ochre to enhance sail durability and performance.
The COCA Canvas Legacy: Ross Aitken’s Insights
Ross Aitken, founder of the Coca Rope and Sail Charities, sheds light on the historical significance of COCA canvas:
“The unique thing about COCA canvas was that they bleached the yarn before they made sails out of it. [...] COCA canvas would last usually about twice as long as anybody else.”
— Ross Aitken [21:05]
Aitken discusses how the meticulous bleaching process of COCA canvas made it a superior sail material, significantly extending the lifespan of sails used by navies and pirates alike.
Impact on Naval History
The durability of COCA canvas had profound implications for naval prowess:
“The USS Constitution out sailed the English ships. It was sailing with COCA canvas and the English ships were sailing with Dutch canvas.”
— Ross Aitken [24:52]
This technological advantage led to the British Navy eventually adopting COCA canvas as the standard, solidifying the Coca villages' reputation in sailmaking.
Transition to Modern Sailmaking
As the age of sail gave way to steam power, the Coca villages adapted by shifting to rope and twine production:
“They turned it into yarn and then twine, and the twine then is turned into rope. [...] Bridport still is at the top of the rope making worldwide.”
— Ross Aitken [26:08]
This transition ensured the survival of these communities by leveraging their expertise in fiber processing.
Contemporary Sailmaking: Mark Matthews’ Craft
Mark Matthews, a traditional sailmaker, discusses the evolution of sail materials and techniques:
“Most cruising yachts will have a material which is polyester based, that's actually got a trade name of Dacron. [...] Nylon is used for downwind sails.”
— Mark Matthews [28:53]
He contrasts modern synthetic fibers with traditional methods, highlighting the challenges of maintaining historical sailmaking skills in a predominantly individualistic and mechanized industry.
Preservation of Sailmaking Heritage
The episode underscores the importance of preserving traditional sailmaking:
“A sail that lands like every other will be the inheritor of a tradition that is thousands of years old, [...] remember the work of the nameless people stretching back into the darkness who made the age of sail and all that it meant possible.”
— Jo Andrews [37:50]
Mark Matthews shares his passion for rejuvenating traditional techniques, aiming to create sails that honor historical craftsmanship while embracing modern advancements.
Conclusion: Honoring the Hidden Hands of History
Jo Andrews concludes by celebrating the often-overlooked artisans—spinners, weavers, and sailmakers—whose collective efforts have propelled human civilization across the seas. The episode serves as a tribute to these "hidden hands" and emphasizes the need to preserve and recognize their invaluable contributions to history.
Key Takeaways:
- Textiles as Historical Pillars: Sails and textiles have been crucial in shaping human migration, trade, warfare, and exploration.
- Archaeological Challenges: The perishable nature of textiles makes studying ancient sails difficult, with much of the history lost or fragmented.
- Technological Innovations: Techniques like COCA canvas bleaching significantly improved sail durability, influencing naval dominance.
- Community and Labor: Sailmaking historically required communal effort, reflecting broader societal structures and labor distributions.
- Modern Preservation: Efforts by individuals like Mark Matthews are vital in maintaining traditional sailmaking skills amidst modern industrial practices.
Notable Quotes:
- “Textiles are central to our history and culture in ways which are often not well explained...” — Jo Andrews [00:20]
- “Inventions rarely only appear once. [...] you should never say never.” — Professor Lies Bender Jorgensen [04:28]
- “The unique thing about COCA canvas was that they bleached the yarn before they made sails out of it.” — Ross Aitken [21:05]
- “A sail that lands like every other will be the inheritor of a tradition that is thousands of years old...” — Jo Andrews [37:50]
Further Engagement: Listeners are encouraged to visit the Dawes Twine Works in West Coca during open days to experience firsthand the rich history of sailmaking. Additionally, members of Friends of Haptic and Hue can stay updated through newsletters and participate in preserving textile heritage.
For more information, scripts, and visuals from this episode, visit www.hapticandhue.com.