The History of Embroidery

English IV

16 May 2003
The History of Embroidery
The art of decorating textiles is almost as old as the human race; and the study of its history offers a fascinating insight into the social, economic, and religious aspects of art and design throughout the centuries. Embroidery has been used in countless ways and for many different purposes: to record information and commemorate events, to embellish elaborate trousseaux and funerary wrappings, to proclaim the glory of God and the majesty of kings, to add a little color to the simple homes of peasants and to display great wealth.
There are indications in ancient paintings, sculptures and literary sources that embroidery was being applied to clothing and other fabrics from the earliest times. One of the earliest mentions of needle working or embroidery is in the Bible. It comes from Exodus, Chapter 26, which was about 3, 300 years ago. Tracing the earliest beginning of embroidery is extremely difficult as few exam...