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)
@holon42 More likely that these artifacts were used to make metal chain links. The different sized holes are the gradations needed to pull the metal loops through into tighter and tighter shape. There are chains that have survived from this era, and modern craftspeople have been able to use the dodecahedron to reproduce the chains. (2)
that makes sense too. i'll bet that shape had many uses.