Silk
Madeline Morgan & Hanna Greenholtz
How
Creating Silk requires Silk Worms. During the 3-8 day period of pupation the worms form cocoons. These cocoons are the actual silk, once unraveled, dyed, and weaved these cocoons are the fabric we know as silk. Don't worry nothing is wasted in this process, all the actual worms are fried or cooked and are a popular dish / snack in China.
When and Where
The fabric silk was invented in China. The first known occurrence when silk was used as fabric was around 2570 BCE, during the Xia dynasty. It was first used as a cloth to wrap a young child's body.
Who
No one knows exactly who created silk, but according to Chinese legend a goddess named Lady Hsi-Ling-Shih, who was the Yellow emperors wife, was said to have created the weave and introduce the silk worm.
Purpose
At first, silk was generally only for Chinese Emperors. The Emperors would often give silk as a sign of gratitude or respect. Slowly over time silk was integrated into Chinese culture and was traded. Silk was a luxury for the rich but the poor (mainly women) typically weaved it thus making a silk monopoly in China. Silk was on high demand all throughout China's history. Later, India, Korea and other neighboring powers started producing silk but it was all made possible by the Chinese.
Evolution
Silk quickly revolutionized trading and created a large economy in China. During the Zhou dynasty the Chinese relied heavily on the Silk Road. This route was named after the most popular trading item, silk. Today China is the top silk producer making 74% of the world's silk.
Works Cited
"How Is Silk Made?" Today I Found Out RSS. N.p., 30 Oct. 2014. Web. 13 Jan. 2015.
khvk"History of Silk." History of Silk. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Jan. 2015.
"History of China Silk Road: Development, Significance, Travelers." History of China Silk Road: Development, Significance, Travelers. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Jan. 2015.