Naga Knotting
Re: Appreciate the sentiment -- Rosanna Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: Beadman Post Reply
07/15/2018, 00:59:47

Hi Rosanna,

I suppose you did not intend "macramé" literally, but probably meant knotting. Macramé is based on two specific knots—the half-hitch and square knot, tied around drag lines. Anything else is not macramé, though many people use that name when they mean "fancy knotting." And many pieces that include macramé can also include other knotting skills. I combine techniques constantly.

When the Nagas (mainly Konyaks) want to form an ending to a multi-strand necklace or girdle, what they typically do is begin at one end, and tie two strands together. Then one or both strands are tied to the next line, and one line is allowed to drop out—and it continues across until all the strands are tied together. Then they reverse, and so the same thing in the other direction. This builds up a rectangular pad, that then (usually) connects to a closure (as simple as a loop and button, though also more ornate choices). They also reduce the number of knots in subsequent rows, resulting in a pad that is trapezoidal.

It has been a very long time since I took apart and reproduced a Konyak fiber ending. I cannot be more specific than the above. By which I mean I cannot tell you the specific knot they usually used.

Jamey



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