The Embroideress

I'm known to complain about the lack of respect afforded textiles by archaeologists in the past. Modern practitioners are an improved lot however and treasure those grubby little rags and scraps found at a dig.

Archaeology has long been a major industry in what is modern Egypt. And finds range from pre-historic to objects from modern conflicts. Egypt has been conquered and re-cultured so many times it is hard to keep track of the civilizations that have influenced textiles found there. To add to the diversity, Egypt has been a trading hub from time immemorial.

The Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, of the University of Michigan - Historic Textiles from Egypt shares some of their collection of Egyptian textiles from the Pharaonic, Roman and Byzantine, and later Islamic periods of Egypt's pre-modern history. Their virtual gallery leads to presentations of past exhibits (1990's). Only three exhibits are currently available but hopefully they will continue to complete the site with images from other exhibits. I'm particularly interested in seeing the needlework exhibit.

From Riches to Rags: Indian Block-Printed Textiles Traded to Egypt is an exhibit rich in graphics and documentation.

The Early Islamic Inscribed Textiles offers only a few graphics but it is worthwhile.

Reconstructing Personal style in Late Antiquityhas interesting documentation but unfortunately rather murky illustrations of some of the items from the collection.

Labels: Costume history, Egyptian Textile History, Indian Textile History, Textile Collections