Rare textile fragments have been discovered in the eighth-century tomb of a woman at the Skonager site in western Jutland, Denmark, according to Archaeology Magazine. The surviving fabric was found attached to the front and back of two scoop brooches, metal fasteners recognized by their concave shape.
Researchers from the Vejle Conservation Center believe metallic salts released by the brooches may have helped preserve the textile. These compounds are thought to have inhibited the microbes that would otherwise have destroyed the fibers, making the fragments an unusual survival from the burial.
One of the brooches had been repaired. Researchers say this repair could indicate that the object was a family heirloom, although the fragment’s presence does not by itself establish how the brooch was used or passed down.
Ancient textile expert Lise Ræder Knudsen is analyzing the remaining fabric. The work could provide information about the weaving techniques, patterns, colors, and spinning quality of the woman’s clothing. It may also help distinguish between material from an outer garment and fabric from an inner layer worn next to the skin.
The burial will also be studied through the woman’s teeth. Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark plan to analyze them for evidence that could contribute to estimates of her age and information about her health status and diet. The analysis may also address whether she moved between regions during her life and whether she experienced physical stress during childhood or adolescence.
The textile fragments and the planned dental research offer separate lines of evidence about the woman and her burial. While the condition of the fabric has preserved only small scraps, those remains may still reveal aspects of clothing production and dress that are rarely available from archaeological burials.
