When Did We Stop Being Naked?

PBS Eons2 minutes read

Excavations in Egypt revealed a well-preserved 5,500-year-old linen dress, showcasing early textile production, with evidence of plant fiber clothing dating back 8,500 years. Discoveries such as flax fibers and a needle fragment suggest an early textile industry and clothing-making tools, with DNA analysis suggesting early clothing use by Homo sapiens over 83,000 years ago.

Insights

  • The Tarkhan dress, discovered among dirty linen in Egypt dating back 5,500 years, showcases early textile craftsmanship and preservation methods.
  • Evidence such as flax fibers dating back 30,000 years in Georgia and a needle fragment from South Africa 61,000 years ago suggests a long history of early clothing-making tools and techniques among Homo sapiens.

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Recent questions

  • What is the significance of the Tarkhan dress?

    The Tarkhan dress is a well-preserved linen dress dating back nearly 5,500 years, discovered among dirty linen in a tomb near the cemetery of Tarkhan in Egypt. This dress holds historical importance as it provides insights into ancient textile production and clothing styles from that era. Its discovery sheds light on the sophistication of ancient Egyptian craftsmanship and the materials used in creating garments during that time.

  • What were the fragments found in Chatal Huyuk?

    Fragments of woven textiles were discovered in Chatal Huyuk in Turkey, dating back approximately 8,500 years. Initially thought to be wool, these fragments were later identified as plant fibers. This finding indicates the early use of plant-based materials in textile production and showcases the advanced weaving techniques of ancient civilizations in creating textiles for various purposes.

  • Where were flax fibers dating back 30,000 years discovered?

    Flax fibers dating back approximately 30,000 years were discovered in Georgia, suggesting the presence of an early textile industry producing colorful clothing. This discovery highlights the ancient origins of textile production and the use of natural fibers like flax in creating clothing and other textile products. It provides valuable insights into the early development of clothing-making techniques and materials used by ancient societies.

  • What does the needle fragment found in Sibudu Cave indicate?

    A needle fragment found in the Sibudu Cave in South Africa, dating back approximately 61,000 years, indicates the early use of clothing-making tools by ancient humans. This discovery suggests that early humans were engaged in the production of clothing and textiles using specialized tools like needles. The presence of such tools showcases the advanced skills and techniques employed by ancient societies in creating garments for various purposes.

  • When did DNA analysis suggest the origin of body lice?

    DNA analysis of human lice suggests that body lice originated at least 83,000 years ago, indicating the early use of clothing by Homo sapiens. This finding implies that early humans were already utilizing clothing for protection and warmth, leading to the evolution of body lice as a result of prolonged contact with clothing materials. The discovery of body lice origins provides valuable insights into the timeline of clothing use by ancient human populations and its impact on human evolution.

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Summary

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Early Textile Industry and Clothing Evolution

  • In 1913, William Matthews Flinders Petrie was frustrated during excavations at the cemetery of Tarkhan in Egypt.
  • Petrie discovered a tomb near the site that was disappointingly empty except for five calcite jars, wooden tool handles, a small pot lid, and dirty linen.
  • Among the dirty linen, conservators in 1977 found a well-preserved linen dress named the Tarkhan dress, dating back nearly 5,500 years.
  • Fragments of woven textiles from Chatal Huyuk in Turkey, dated to approximately 8,500 years ago, were initially thought to be wool but later identified as plant fibers.
  • Flax fibers dating back approximately 30,000 years were discovered in Georgia, suggesting an early textile industry producing colorful clothing.
  • A needle fragment found in the Sibudu Cave in South Africa, dating back approximately 61,000 years, indicates early clothing-making tools.
  • DNA analysis of human lice suggests body lice originated at least 83,000 years ago, indicating early clothing use by Homo sapiens.
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