In progress translation: The gold band of the gentleman from Straubing-Alburg: Investigations of a leg wrap from the early Middle Ages

This is going to be done in pieces, and updated as I translate sections, to assist a friend who is making his own attempt at translating this article. If you have any feedback on my translation, please feel free to share it with me.



The gold band of the gentleman from Straubing-Alburg: Investigations of a leg wrap from the early Middle Ages
By Antja Bartel




On the Hochweg field in Straubing-Alburg, aside from numerous previous reports, examination was made of a grave containing five bodies buried at the same time (grave 493). The bodies had been obviously disturbed, though the golden ribbons on the legs of the second man from the left were discovered later (fig 1). They were in a block recovered, and brought for archaeological textile restoration to the Bavarian State Office for Conservative Care. Which two years earlier had investigated the golden braids of the Prince of Greding-Großhöbing (Germany) from Grave 143.




The present findings of leg wraps are unique so far. Observable grave items allowed the West Pomeranian University of Technology, Szczecin (Poland) to make subject-specific examinations, and answer new questions. The goal was to assess gold undistorted by organic residues. If possible, also use concrete details to make an assignment whether they are gaiters, leggings, or spats.

Basic underdress/tunic pattern and construction

I made this for a friend, so his mom could make him more tunics that will fit like the ones I made him. Since a lot of people ask me what pattern I use, or how I do my armpit gussets and gores, I figured I should post it here.

The main part that changes based on the person is the width of the four rectangles, which depends on the widest part of the body (chest, belly or hips), divide the measurement by 4, then add 1 1/2 if you have small seam allowances, 2" for large or if you want it to be looser. The smaller rectangles which will become the gores use the same width, but the measurement from neck to waist is subtracted from the total desired length (49-24 = 25). I always use a 4" square armpit gusset. On the sleeve, the length is the measurement from the tip of the shoulder to the back of the hand. You can use the measurement around the upper arm for the width of the sleeve, but I taper them to the width around the wrist, because I like how they fit better.

This is how the pieces will go together.