What is silk made of?
Silk is a natural protein fiber made mainly of fibroin, which accounts for 75 to 80 percent of the fiber, with sericin making up the remaining 20 to 25 percent as a protective coating.
Questions about Silk
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Where did silk originate?
Silk production originated in central China during the Neolithic period. The earliest evidence is the silk protein fibroin found in soil at the Jiahu site in Henan, dating back about 8,500 years.
When did the secret of silk making reach Europe?
The secret of silk making reached Europe around AD 550, through the Byzantine Empire. Contemporary accounts say monks working for the emperor Justinian I smuggled silkworm eggs out of China inside hollow canes.
Why is silk forbidden for men in Islamic teachings?
Islamic teachings forbid men from wearing silk, a restriction many religious jurists trace to concerns about clothing considered feminine or extravagant. Scholars still dispute how much silk a garment may contain and remain lawful.
How is silk harvested from silkworms?
Silk is harvested by killing the pupae inside their cocoons, then soaking the cocoons in boiling water to soften the sericin holding the fibers together. The softened cocoon is then unwound into one continuous thread.
Who is credited with discovering silk in Chinese legend?
Legend credits a Chinese empress named Leizu, also known as Hsi-Ling-Shih or Lei-Tzu, with developing silk. Silk was originally reserved only for use and as gifts by Chinese emperors.