Maritime Knots
This breastplate necklace was knotted by
the late Brian Field, former President of the International
Guild of Knot Tyers. He gave it to me when he came to Los Angeles some years ago to
visit with the Pacific American Branch of the Guild.
The following is Brian's description of Sailor's Breastplate:
"Breastplates" is the name given to those intricate flat knots which form the basis of the pendants once worn by sailors and their girlfriends.
The origin of the term "Sailors Breastplate" is unknown but the use of such pendants by sailors goes back at least a thousand years and probably much further.
Intricate knots were at one time thought to have magical properties and the protection of these pendant amulets was often the only protection possessed by the ordinary sailor against enemies and the elements.
Miniature Doormat made by Yvonne H. Chang
Coaster Mat made by Yvonne H. Chang
Monkey's Fist made by Yvonne H. Chang