Plant fibre production in the Mesolithic and Early Neolithic in Europe - continuity and evolution in material choices and manufacturing processes.

• Applicant: Dr. Sabine Karg
• Subject Area: Prehistory and World Archaeology
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 511280576

Little is known about the material choices and the techniques applied during the manufacturing of objects made of plant fibres, for example cords, ropes and nets, during the Mesolithic and Early Neolithic periods in Europe. The results of this project will close this research gap. Archaeological finds made of plant fibres have been made available for this project by five international and national museums and heritage agencies. Written letters of confirmation are attached. The archaeological finds of plant fibres date between 8000 cal BC and 3600 cal BC, thereby facilitating a diachronic comparison of the material choices and manufacturing processes for these objects. Specialist botanical knowledge and specialised laboratory facilities are essential for the systematic analysis of archaeological finds made of organic materials. Innovative analytical methods will be applied for the first time in the identification of the plant material chosen for the production of the objects. The following methods will be employed in combination: electronic microscopy, aDNA analysis, micro-computed tomography and Fourier Transform Raman spectroscopy. The application of these techniques, and the results obtained, will be continually evaluated with all involved partners, during the entire analysis phase. The main goal of the project is the development of a new, efficient and reliable methodology for the identification of archaeological textile finds, thereby rendering redundant time consuming and expensive microscopic examination. A second goal is reconstruction of the complex processes involved in the production of prehistoric cords, ropes and nets. This will be explored by way of practical experiments undertaken in conjunction with students from the FU Berlin. The results will be presented in a small exhibition and an accompanying brochure for the public. The reproductions will be offered to museums for display in their permanent exhibitions. Ethnographic sources will also be consulted to gather information about long-term technological developments and traditions relating to products made of bast fibres. An international, interdisciplinary workshop will be organised, and the results of the project will be published in several peer-reviewed journals.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants