Material choices for fibre in the Neolithic: an approach through the measurement of mechanical properties

Harris, S. , Haigh, S., Handley, A. and Sampson, W. (2017) Material choices for fibre in the Neolithic: an approach through the measurement of mechanical properties. Archaeometry, 59(3), pp. 574-591. (doi: 10.1111/arcm.12267)

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Abstract

Studies of the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition in Europe have focused on plants and animals exploited for food. However, the exploitation of plants for fibres underwent a significant change with the addition of domestic flax as a fibre crop. While the technology of flax fibre processing is increasingly understood by archaeologists, its material value as a fibre crop in comparison to indigenous fibre is less well explored. We examine the mechanical properties of flax and two indigenous fibres (lime bast, willow bast), by testing fibre strips for tensile properties and discuss the results in the light of material choices in these periods.

Item Type:Articles
Keywords:Archaeology, materials science, fibre, lime, flax, willow, neolithic, mesolithic, archaeological science.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Harris, Dr Susanna
Authors: Harris, S., Haigh, S., Handley, A., and Sampson, W.
Subjects:C Auxiliary Sciences of History > CC Archaeology
Q Science > QC Physics
T Technology > TT Handicrafts Arts and crafts
College/School:College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > Archaeology
Journal Name:Archaeometry
Publisher:Wiley on behalf of University of Oxford
ISSN:0003-813X
ISSN (Online):1475-4754
Published Online:29 August 2016
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2016 University of Oxford
First Published:First published in Archaeometry 59(3):574-591
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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