First off I want you to get your head out of the 70's because these decorative knots are not your mother's macrame. Truth is that macrame was born from the decorative knots that were used on the ships of history. Sailors from both history and modern day, are masters of tying knots. Knots were used for everything and anything on board ship. As a way to secure items to the decks, move objects from ship to ship, they were even used to decorate railing, masts, and bottles. This art form brought to us by the sailors of the world is known as Marlinspike Seamanship. Sailors would get creative and make items like hammocks, bell ringers, belts, bags and floor mats that they would sell or barter when they arrived in port. This would help spread their art around the world and it would come to be known as macrame.
Although marlinspike seamanship maintained its strength throughout history, the art of macrame would almost fall off the face of the earth. It wasn't until the 1970s that the art of decorative knots would regain it's lost popularity. It was our parents in the hippie and grunge crowd of the early 70's that took these knots and began making items like wall hangings, bedspreads, small shorts, skirts, tablecloths, draperies, plant hangers and jewelry. This resurgence was short lived and would come to an end in the late 80's early 90's. But as we look around the world in today's society it seems as if the art form is trying to make another push into the mainstream. As decorative knots are making a push to the forefront again, the art of marlinspike seamanship is coming right along side of them as well. People are once again searching for items covered in intricate rope work to decorate their homes.
Truth is that any art using decorative knots is both beautiful and intricate. Here is a great source of information on the history of this art form, some other great resources and also a place where you can buy some great handmade art work. www.marlinspikes.com
