CarrysackfromMartebo.pdf

Carrysack from Martebo

We all have things to carry with us when we travel. How they did it back in 14:th century is

not always easy to know though. A chest is great for packing stuff in, but somewhat unwieldy

to lug around. Some sort of backpack would be handy in those cases, but how did they look

back in 14:th century?

On Martebo church, on the island of Gotland in Sweden, a lady is depicted in a line of

travellers. Over her shoulder she has slung a sort of double sack. This sack is perhaps later

known as a ‘fässing’ traditionally in some parts of Sweden. Although it might be have just

intended for carrying on foot, it is almost perfect for use on horses to. The picture above is

from the first part of 14th century.

The sack is very versatile and easy to make. The double compartments make it easier to carry

and things will not fall out if it is placed on the ground. There are some different

interpretations about where the opening is situated, on one side or centred. I have chosen to

have it centred on mine since it is easier to pack and unpack. Especially when used on

horseback.

The sack

Basically, the sack looks like this:

The torn off piece of rope can be overlooked, it was sewn on to help latching the sack on a

sumpter horse’s saddle

When carried it is slung over one shoulder. Usually

the midst is twisted once to make it narrower and

tougher.

If it is loaded heavily it will become a bit straining on

an untrained shoulder. Changing shoulders will be

needed from time to time. Care should be taken to

load each side basically equal in weight.

When used on a horse, it might be a good thing to have the opening downwards (that is;

facing the horse, not the sky). If you have things you want easy access to though, the opposite

will be true. As long as it is not raining it will not matter.

Two sacks can be placed on the horse over each other without problem.

The making of the sack

The sack is incredible easy to make. I’ll throw in an instruction just in case someone did not

deduct it from the pictures

First, take some linen cloth and fold it over at

the middle.

Secondly, sew together all sides. Use good

stitches and make them hard.

Thirdly, cut a slit in the middle. Make one

that does not go out to the sides. This will

make the sack stronger as it will have double

linen on the side seams. Then turn it.

Alternatively, if you feel lazy:

Fold it over double.

Sew it together on the sides. Turn it inside out.

Johan Käll

Albrechts bössor

www.albrechts.se

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