A Skein of Handmade Rope: Pilgrim's Accoutrement

early to mid twentieth century
bundled, as shown: 3 1/2" x 16" x 6", 9 cmx 40.5 cm x 5.25 cm
approximately 128", 325 cm long

This bundle of hand made rope was part of a group of personal effects that once belonged to a Japanese Buddhist pilgrim, so it is assumed that this rope has some significance during pilgrimage.

It seems to be hand made of white cotton and from the patina and ingrained dirt it also appears to be well-used.  Charcoal-based ink writing can be seen on one of the unfurled, loose ends of the cotton twine, and this simple object is interesting to look at, and it is also a curious object to contemplate.

Just lovely.