In the prehistoric salt
mine of Hallstatt in Upper Austria, coloured textile fragments have survived for more than 3500 years due to the impregnation
by salt, the constant climate of the mine and the protection from light. These circumstances offer unique conditions for research
in prehistoric dyeing techniques, which is the overall aim of the proposed research project.
Knowledge about the prehistoric
dyeing processes shall be gained by identifying the dyestuffs, the dyeing materials (dye plants and dye insects), the origin
of the chemical elements aluminium, iron and copper detected in the textile fibres, and their influence on colours and fibre
degradation. This should also lead to a better understanding of the origin of the Hallstatt textiles and the colour changes
which possibly took place during their stay in the salt mine. About 75 samples of prehistoric textile fragments, especially
of the multi-coloured ribbons, will be analysed by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive
X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX) and high performance liquid chromatography with photo diode array detection (HPLC-PDA). Results of
this analytical research will be applied in the preparation of reproductions of the prehistoric textiles to show what they
once may have looked like. The aim is to draw conclusions on the prehistoric manufacturing process by using authentic materials
(wool, natural dyes) and traditional spinning, dyeing and weaving techniques. A comprehensive literature review will be carried
out and experiments using methods of experimental archaeology and ethnobotany will be performed.
Furthermore, the project
aims at creating links between the unique cultural heritage of the Hallstatt textiles with reflection in textile arts and
inspiration for today's commercial products: a scientific concept for textile products will be developed and examples of textile
objects inspired by the Hallstatt textiles will be designed by students of textile art and textile design.