서양 니트 문화사에 관한 연구

This study investigates the characteristics of the western knitted works from a historical perspective focused on the following research topics: 1) the origin and development of knitting, 2) the comparison of ancient time and middle age knitting; 3) the symbolic meaning of the designs in the knitted works and their functions. This research is based on the survey of the relevant literature and photographs into history of costume in the west. The findings of the research are as follows: First, the introduction of knitted work was closely connected with the climate and socio-economic conditions of the places of the origin. Also, knitting techniques advanced greatly in later Middle Ages. The church's emphasis on thrift and diligence in Middle Ages has facilitated the development of the knitting techniques. Second, in ancient times, beginning with coptic and Arabian articles, abstract geometric patterns have developed in the west under the influence of Arabian knitted work. Third, the traditional knitting patterns not only carried symbolic meaning but also served as means of communication. First of all, patterns had incantatory meanings. To sum up, this research is significant as it shows that knitted works should not be viewed just as clothing, but the designs and colors in the knitted works have social and historic significance in that they serve as symbols or represents a society or culture. This research has delimited historic and regional coverages, this being almost inevitable since knitting has been the part of human life in all historic times throughout the world. But this will be complemented in the future studies with more comprehensive literature survey and by doing field research.