ancient textile israelThese very rare textiles were found in the Wadi Murabba’at caves south of Qumran,where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. They’d been dyed purple, crimson and indigo blue, the most prestigious clothes colors in ancient times – so prestigious that fabrics dyed those colors were as valuable as gold.  Read more about ancient dyes in our post about the holy blue techelet. Some reds, purples and blues were processed out of plants, but the most brilliant, steadfast colors came from varieties of the marine Murex snail or the cochineal bug. Until recently, only two fabric swatches from the Roman period had been positively identified as bearing Murex dye, out of thousands found in the Judean Desert, the Negev and the Arava. But research now proves that three other fabric pieces were dyed with ancient world’s most expensive colors. Read about another exciting discovery  – 3000-year-old public water...

ancient textile israel 180 specimens were analyzed with advanced instruments for identifying dyes (HPLC). Most were dyed with plant extracts, but two, apparently parts of tunics, were double-dyed with Murex trunculus and the cochineal insect. A third was first dyed, then exposed to sunlight in order to produce a deep blue. This is the same process used to make the sacred techelet color, which was lost for centuries and only recently re-discovered.The wool of this same blue piece was spun locally, while the purple and crimson have characteristic marks of imported wool.

An entire garment dyed this color would have been expensive indeed. To us, 2000 or even 3000 years later, the mere discovery of a piece of it, and confirmation of the dye, is exciting.

“The importance of this fabric is extremely significant as there are practically no parallels for it in the archaeological record,” stated Yoli Shwartz, Israel Antiquities Authority spokeswoman.

Archaeologists Find Rare Snail Dyed Fabrics in Biblical Colors

Dr. Na’amat Sukenik, of the Israel Antiquities Authority, conducted the research with Prof. Zohar Amar of the Dept. of the Land of Israel Studies and Archaeology, Dr. David Illuz of the Dept. of Life Sciences at Bar-Ilan University, and Dr. Orit Shamir, curator of organic materials at the Israel Antiquities Authority.

ancient dyed fabricPurple was the color with the highest status among the Greeks and Romans. There were times when only Caesars and their families wore purple and anyone who dared to wear the royal color was punished by law. Brilliant blues and crimsons also indicated status and wealth, and became so profitable that ancient rulers monopolized the manufacture of these colors.

The Murabba’at caves were the refuge of Jews resisting the Roman army during the time of the Bar-Kochba revolt, 132-136 A.D.. While it’s not certain, it might be that the fabrics found there belonged to some of them. Another theory is that  Roman soldiers who occupied the caves after the Bar-Kochba revolt had bought some of the fabrics locally, or brought them from Italy.

Although I’m no scholar of antiquity, the first theory makes the most sense to me. How could a common soldier have afforded such expensive clothing, unless it was stolen or looted? Because surely army commanders wouldn’t have been living in the caves. On the other hand, I can easily imagine a harried Jewish woman, about to cross the desert, hoping to survive in a cave with a crowd of other determined refugees, stuffing the best of her possessions – the things she couldn’t bear to part with – into bags. A beautiful tunic would have folded up easily and not taken much space in her luggage. It would have been a reminder of better times. It would have been the sign of her hope to wear it again, in freedom, someday.

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Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries had its humble beginnings as an idea of a few artisans and craftsmen who enjoy performing with live steel fighting. As well as a patchwork quilt tent canvas. Most had prior military experience hence the name.

 

Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries.

 

Vendertainers that brought many things to a show and are know for helping out where ever they can.

As well as being a place where the older hand made items could be found made by them and enjoyed by all.

We expanded over the years to become well known at what we do. Now we represent over 100 artisans and craftsman that are well known in their venues and some just starting out. Some of their works have been premiered in TV, stage and movies on a regular basis.

Specializing in Medieval, Goth , Stage Film, BDFSM and Practitioner.

Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries a Dept of, Ask For IT was started by artists and former military veterans, and sword fighters, representing over 100 artisans, one who made his living traveling from fair to festival vending medieval wares. The majority of his customers are re-enactors, SCAdians and the like, looking to build their kit with period clothing, feast gear, adornments, etc.

Likewise, it is typical for these history-lovers to peruse the tent (aka mobile store front) and, upon finding something that pleases the eye, ask "Is this period?"

A deceitful query!! This is not a yes or no question. One must have a damn good understanding of European history (at least) from the fall of Rome to the mid-1600's to properly answer. Taking into account, also, the culture in which the querent is dressed is vitally important. You see, though it may be well within medieval period, it would be strange to see a Viking wearing a Caftan...or is it?

After a festival's time of answering weighty questions such as these, I'd sleep like a log! Only a mad man could possibly remember the place and time for each piece of kitchen ware, weaponry, cloth, and chain within a span of 1,000 years!! Surely there must be an easier way, a place where he could post all this knowledge...

Traveling Within The World is meant to be such a place. A place for all of these artists to keep in touch and directly interact with their fellow geeks and re-enactment hobbyists, their clientele.

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