Introduction: Approaching textiles in ancient Mediterranean iconography

Brøns, C., Harris, S. and Żuchowska, M. (2022) Introduction: Approaching textiles in ancient Mediterranean iconography. In: Harris, S., Brøns, C. and Zuchowska, M. (eds.) Textiles in Ancient Mediterranean Iconography. Series: Ancient Textiles Series, 38. Oxbow Books: Oxford, pp. 1-17. ISBN 9781789257212

Abstract

Ancient Mediterranean iconography provides a wealth of information on the complex, colourful world of textiles. Commonly represented in clothing, textiles are also present in furnishings and the processes of textile production. As organic textiles have largely disappeared from the archaeological record, the iconography of textiles is a crucial resource, complementing knowledge gained from written sources and preserved textiles. Nevertheless, there is a persistent questioning of the reliability and relevance of iconographic representation. Yet, its methodology and discoveries need be neither unreliable nor irrelevant provided certain conditions are met: sufficient attention to the medium of construction; robust methods of analysis; appropriate comparison with other sources of evidence; and a critical awareness of the relationship between evidence, cultural context and interpretation. Through examining the iconographic evidence, this volume reveals the ephemeral world of textiles and the important contribution the iconography of textiles makes to the history of textiles and, importantly, to the history of everyday life in the ancient Mediterranean.

• Item Type: Book Sections (Introduction)
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Harris, Dr Susanna
• Authors: Brøns, C., Harris, S., and Żuchowska, M.
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > Archaeology
• Publisher: Oxbow Books
• ISBN: 9781789257212
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © Oxbow Books and the individual authors 2022
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons licence