NETIA · Neolithic textiles and clothing industries in the Aegean

Neolithic textiles and clothing industries in the Aegean

NETIA (Neolithic textiles and clothing industries in the Aegean) Topic and scope The main objective was been the study of the earliest textile and clothing production in Neolithic Greece. The main purpose for the selection of this research topic was our very poor knowledge of the earliest period of textile production in the prehistoric Aegean, that is, the Neolithic period (6500-3400 BCE). Despite the fact that there is rich evidence on other technologies of this period, such as pottery production and stone-knapping and carving, the complete lack of archaeological textiles from the Aegean region has so far not allowed for a clear picture of the earliest weaving and clothing technologies. Thus, the focus of the data collection and evidence is inevitably being transferred to the study of archaeological finds, directly or indirectly related to textile crafts, such as the specially designed spinning and weaving implements (i.e. clay spindle whorls and loom-weights, bone needles, bobbins, and shuttles). These tools lead us to the partial reconstruction of the earliest known textile technologies, while the study of a series of other utilitarian objects and works of art, such as pottery, seals, jewellery and figurative art, can lead us to a deeper understanding of the mental abilities, ideas, aesthetics and the zeitgeist of the Aegean Neolithic culture. Importance for society Research on such a cultural and historical content is a social benefit in itself, as it contributeσ to a deeper understanding of the European past and the economic and social foundation of modern society. Moreover, it is of high educational value since it offers benefits through the knowledge of the ancient technology and enables a reflexion on the identity of members of modern society and connexion to their prehistoric past. In particular, it can enlighten us about one of the technological achievements of the earliest societies in relation to a crucial survival practice, the manufacture of fabrics and garments. The results of the NETIA project yielded up-to-date information about when and how exactly the Neolithic people began to produce fibres for the manufacture of textiles and clothing by systematically using available materials from their surrounding environment.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union