re: the recent question concerning the Roman dodecahedron and its use.
some say it wasn't for knitting because no early artifacts.
hmmm.
here are some actually existing knitting tools using the same basic method. the dodecahedron shape is more versatile. glove fingers are just the beginning.
rope, nets, leggings, sleeves, socks, bags, depending on size.
here's a couple descendants⤵️
@holon42 A couple of thoughts to throw into the mix. Why made out of metal? That's a very heavy item to be using while you are knitting. It could have been made out of wood, and some wooden artifacts would have survived, but they do not. Why are the holes all different sizes? Some say it's for the different sizes of fingers and thumb, but talk to a knitter and they will tell you the fingers are only different lengths, not widths. (1)
that's my point. it's not just gloves. different sized holes for different projects.
it would be difficult to carve that out of wood. it's not easy to cast one either.
if they were making anchor ropes and nets, for example, onboard ships, they'd be durable and less likely to be lost.
there seems to have been a lot of them, different sizes, so a practical purpose seems likely.
Plato said the dodecahedron is the perfect geometrical form.