Smooth and cool or warm and soft, investigating the properties of cloth in prehistory

Harris, S. (2009) Smooth and cool or warm and soft, investigating the properties of cloth in prehistory. In: Andersson Strand, E., Gleba, M., Mannering, U., Munkholt, C. and Ringgaard, M. (eds.) North European Symposium for Archaeological Textiles X. Series: Ancient textiles series (5). Oxbow Books: Oxford, pp. 140-112. ISBN 9781785701566

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Abstract

‘Studies of materiality cannot simply focus upon the characteristics of objects but must engage in the dialectic of people and things’ (Meskell 2005,4). A number of researchers have looked at the significance of the properties of cloth to understand their suitability to environment and function. This research is a good basis and has potential to be developed further. In this paper I investigate the physical, chemical and aesthetic properties of linen, wool and lime bast fibres and knotless netting, woven textiles and twining as fibres and cloth structures that were used to make cloth from the Neolithic to Bronze Age in the Alpine region of Europe. Through these results I look at examples of how these cloth types may have been used and valued in these societies.

Item Type:Book Sections
Additional Information:Acceptance date unknown. Date added to allow upload.
Keywords:Archaeology, materials, material properties, flax, lime bast, tree bast, fibre
Status:Published
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Harris, Dr Susanna
Authors: Harris, S.
Subjects:C Auxiliary Sciences of History > CC Archaeology
College/School:College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > Archaeology
Publisher:Oxbow Books
ISBN:9781785701566

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