HFAK03256U F.ARK Archaeological Topic A - Textile Archaeology - a hands-on approach

Throughout prehistory,  textiles were considered valuable goods, being utilized not only  for clothing but also for furnishing, tapestry, tablecloth, bedding, sacks, sails and tents, and in religious rituals. Over time the production, organization and distribution of textiles underwent considerable transformation, although these changes did not take place at the same time and in the same manner all over Europe. Whether the settlement was large or small, textile manufacture would have taken up a great deal of time. Knowledge and ability to produce textiles must have been lodged in more than one individual, and several would have been involved in the production process: the harvesting of fibres, preparing them for spinning, weaving, various finishing processes and finally sewing them into clothing and other products. The manufacturing of textiles was a result of complex interactions between resources and technology within society, and depended on, for example resources, state of technology and needs.

In this course the students will be introduced to and receive basic training in the analysis of textiles and textile technology as well as how new scientific methods and theoretical approaches can be applied to textile research. Furthermore, the course will cover a wide geographic area from Scandinavia to the Middle East.

This course is aimed especially at archaeologists and others interested who will gain knowledge of how to include textiles and textile production in a general archaeological discussion on ancient societies.

For more information about CTR: Centre for Textile Research