The fibres of the hemp plant are among the longest and strongest in the plant kingdom. In the Hash Marihuana Hemp Museum Gallery, skeins of hemp fibre from different stages of processing can be seen and handled by visitors. Although hemp clothes once had a reputation for being rough and abrasive, the samples of hemp and hemp-blend textiles on display prove that this supremely versatile fibre can be as strong as an anchor rope or as soft as silk.
The First Clothes Were Made of Hemp Fibre
It was through the cultivation of hemp that humans progressed from wearing animal skins and hides to garments of woven cloth. The oldest known examples of woven material are made from hemp.
At first, the long, strong plant fibres were twisted into simple twine; in turn, strands of twine were plaited together to make stronger ropes. Cross-weaving allowed ropes to be made into nets for fishing and hunting. As weaving technology developed, finer and finer meshes of thread were possible, until the net had developed into true woven cloth. One of the highlights of the Museum Collection is a Chinese ceremonial costume, handmade from hemp as has been traditional for thousands of years.
Hemp and the History of Sailing Ships
Hemp was the second most used material in shipbuilding after wood, and played a crucial role in humankind's exploration and expansion across the globe. From before the time of the Phoenicians (pre 5th Century BCE) right up until the late 19th Century, all long sea voyages relied on sails, ropes and rigging made from hemp. No other natural fibre can withstand the forces of the open ocean and the stresses of salt water.
A typical three-mast ship used between 60 and 100 tonnes of hemp for the sails and rigging. Hemp’s vital role in the ‘Age of Discovery’ can be clearly seen in the beautiful, highly detailed model ships in the Museum and the Museum Gallery. There are also many examples of hemp rope, ranging from fine thread to mighty anchor-cable with a circumference of 30cm.
Furthermore, hemp played a major role in making ships watertight. Combining the stalks and fibres of hemp with pine tar creates a caulking material known as oakum. This early composite material was used as a sealant between loose or green planks in a ship’s hull.
Modern Uses of Hemp Fibre
Hemp fibre is a natural choice for durable clothing and was used by Levi Strauss when he began manufacturing hemp-canvas overalls for miners in the mid 1800s. These hard-wearing trousers were the original ‘Levis’ – the direct predecessor of the iconic Levi blue-jeans. The same qualities that made hemp the only fibre for sea voyages make it ideal for shoes. Both Nike and Adidas have produced running shoes made from hemp which can be seen in the Museum.
Modern processing techniques have enabled the manufacture of hemp textiles which are much softer than traditional hemp cloth, with the same strength and durability. Hemp clothing is one of the fastest growing areas of modern industrial hemp usage as new generations re-discover its amazing qualities.
Hemp Versus Cotton
Hemp cloth can be every bit as soft and versatile as cotton and is stronger, more durable and more water absorbent. Cotton cultivation quickly degrades the land upon which it is practiced. Hemp cultivation, properly practiced, maintains or improves the quality of the land. Industrial cotton production requires enormous amounts of chemicals to grow and process the crop. Hemp does not. All in all, hemp textiles are both superior in quality and less ecologically damaging to produce.