The first knots existed in the prehistoric ages and ancient seafaring civilisations. The cultural origins of knots, their symbolism and universal language has now endured many centuries. Knots may be functional, ornamental, ceremonial, hard-working, even life-saving. Their construction can be simple or complicated, they can be practical or decorative. The natural balance of curves as they overlap and interlock, the simple engineering of tension and resistance and the contradiction of strength yet softness, knots are a natural harmony of design.