Division American Sheep Industry - Essay Example

The origin of wool can be traced back in Asia Minor just like the story of human civilization. This happened during the Stone Age period, over 10,000 years ago. Sheep was used by the primitive man who lived on the Mesopotamian plain for shelter, clothing, and food. With time, man learned how to weave and spin, and woolen materials turned to be part of their riches. Romans, Persians, and Greeks distributed sheep over Europe between 3000 and 1000 B.C, which improved the breeds. King Henry VIII, who reigned between 1509 and 1547, seized the flocks of monasteries and gave them out to the court favorites (American Wool 2).

The shepherds who were left unemployed were then sent to prison for failing to repay their debts. This was part of the incitement that led them to migrate into America. England through his Kings tried to discourage the wool industry in North America, however, some few sheep that had been smuggled there had multiplied into over 100,000 sheep by 1665. There was even a law passed by Massachusetts that required young people to spin and weave. The American tradition and folklore grew together with the wool industry.

The eldest unmarried daughters in the family were charged with the spinning duties, hence the name ‘spinster. They wound spun yarn on a reel that when given yardage was arrived at, it made a popping sound.