Introduction to Prehistoric Textiles

An overview of the evolution of textile technology, emphasizing regional variations in historical timelines. The course covers key archaeological periods, focusing on perishable material culture and recent advancements in fiber identification and preservation. Practical projects explore techniques using both traditional and substitute materials. Accessible references, such as works by Elizabeth Barber, enrich understanding. Creativity and enjoyment are encouraged in all hands-on activities.

‘The String Age’. Discussion about the earliest evidence for cordage and textiles, what are palaeolithic needles actually for (probably not sewing leather), where do we find evidence for the earliest textile accessories.

Skill tutorial: Cordage masterclass

Tool Project: Make a needle. Demo in antler but also in wood.

Textile Project: A diagonally woven sash or strap inspired by Venus figurines. Possibly using ochre stains.

Supplies needed: Cordage material, could be flax, hemp, nettle, even strips of paper

The Mesolithic is a transitionary period between the Palaeolithic and the Neolithic, whilst people are still hunter gatherers, we start seeing more evidence of settlement and suggestions that people are starting to modify their landscape and the resources within it, paving the way for the first agriculture.

This 30 minute video will cover:

• Tree bast technologies, how to get cloth out of trees.

• Lime bast processing and how to use raffia as an accessible alternative.

• Twined construction.

Tool Project: Creating a ‘thorn’ bundle

Textile Project: Make a twined bag or bottle cover.

Supplies Needed: For the basket: raffia or lime bast, perhaps esparto or similar grass. You could use garden string if fibre is hard to get locally. For the thorn bundle: thorns or a package of wooden cocktail sticks, a small amount of fine strong string or handmade cordage (about an arm’s length is plenty).

During the Neolithic, farming becomes the primary way of life across the Near East and then Europe. Dates vary, starting around 12,200 years ago in the Levant, reaching Britain around 6000 years ago. There have been many theories as to why farming was adopted

The 30 minute video will cover:

• Linen. Its place amongst the oldest cultivated crops

• Flax processing tools from the Neolithic Lake Villages

• Splicing versus Plying

Tool Project: Make wooden bobbins

Skill To Learn: Splicing fine threads in plant fibres

Textile Project: Woven sample on proto-loom

Supplies Needed: sticks or slim dowel, string or fine smooth cordage, clay (or substitute a small

potato!), plant fibres such as flax for splicing, knife or secateurs.

The Bronze Age (beginning ~5500 years ago in the Near East and ~4000 years ago in Britain) introduced bronze as a new material. The Bronze Age saw a focus on older male sheep, indicating the emergence of woolly sheep and the growing importance of wool production. This development significantly influenced society, including land use, labour, and trade, earning the era the nickname "The Wool Age" from a textile archaeology perspective.

Skill Tutorial: Spinning With a Bronze Age Spindle

Tool project: Make a sprang frame

Textile project: Make a simple sprang pouch or hairnet (can use bought wool or hand-spun.)

Supplies Needed: Your spindle and some wool fibre, optionally a short stick to use as a distaff, a flexible stick about 5ft long, string, yarn to work sprang with. This could be your handspun wool, corded plant fibre, or give it a try with two colours of craft yarn to begin with.