Textiles

Remains of original prehistoric or medieval textiles in archaeological finds may appear in various forms – individual fragments, fragments preserved on pieces of metal, imprints on pottery or other materials. The level and quality of textile preservation is influenced by many conditions like the form of preservation, material of the find and the type of textile fibres.

Small textile fragments are often found on metal objects from iron, bronze, silver or gold where ions of heavy metals reduce the disintegration of organic matters.

Textiles are analysed to determine used materials and techniques and help determine the level and methods of textile production or the use of textile products. Most textiles are found in fragments, however, so they provide only limited information.

All data must be carefully recorded as in the subsequent preservation of metal artefacts, all textile fragments are damaged or destroyed.