Tartessos may have inspired the legends of El Dorado, Atlantis, or Tarshish. It was a culture located on the southwest edge of the Iberian Peninsula. They traded with the Greeks and Phoenicians. The region was rich with silver and gold deposits and its people were known for ornate metal work. These people slipped in obscurity as their cities were lost and their written language is undecipherable.

This shawl was inspired by the Treasure of El Carambolo. This gold hoard dates back to the 8th century BCE. The lace mimics the intricate metal work of the breast pieces. As the shawl is worked from the top down, one could use up almost every ounce of precious yarn.

This pattern will always be free on Knitty. The paid version has crisp charts, stitch counts, more information on how to modify the pattern, and the lace is also fully written out.