Beyond textiles: alternative uses of twisted fibers. Evidence from Akrotiri, Thera
Channel: Recording Archaeology
Date: 2017-02-02

Fiber crafts are among the oldest technological practices of mankind. Although commonly associated with textile manufacture, twisted fibers in the form of threads have always had a wider range of use in everyday life. Strings and ropes constitute a humble but essential category of fiber products deriving from the same technology and organic matter as threads. Due to their organic nature, however, they rarely survive in the archaeological record, unless special environmental conditions occur. This paper discusses the alternative uses of twisted fibers in the Bronze Age Aegean, with particular reference to the settlement of Akrotiri in Thera. The primary focus of the paper lies on impressions of threads, strings and ropes preserved on objects made of clay and on wall paintings. We will attempt an examination of the technical properties of these products on the basis of their impressions and we will consider their use for a variety of purposes. Our observations compare to another set of data, namely the actual strings and ropes that have been exceptionally preserved and published from the same site.

Author - Dr. Vakirtzi, Sophia, University Of Crete, Athens, Greece (Presenting author)
Co-author(s) - Dr. Georma, Fragoula, Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports, Ephorate of Antiquities of Corfu, Corfu, Greece
Co-author(s) - Dr. Karnava, Artemis, Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences, Inscriptiones Graecae, Berlin, Germany