Project: "Clothing and Identities" (DressID)

 

The Prehistoric Department of the Museum of Natural History Vienna - in collaboration with six European Research institutions, universities and museums has reveived financial support from the European Union to conduct a research project concerning "Clothing and Identities - New Perspectives on Textiles in the Roman Empire (DressID)". The European Union supports this multinational research project that started in 2007 and ends in 2012. Besides publications and symposia, a touring exhibition will be set up, which will be shown at the Museum of Natural History Vienna in the beginning of 2012. Scientists of various fields work together in this interdisciplinary project, and combine various methods of science, experimental archaeology and cultural history. DressID is the umbrella for highly specialised experts, who deal with all aspects of textile research: costume and design, technology and production, language and society.

The Roman Empire forms the frame of the project. With its richness in archaeolgical material, images and literal sources the Roman Empire provides a perfect opportunity for investigations of cultural uniformity and diversity. Identity studies can be carried out on all levels, from individual to ethnic, social, religious and political groups. In order to understand the textile technology in Austria in the Roman Period till 500 AD in Austria it is necessary to know the basics of textile production of the Austrian Bronze and Iron Age. The comparison of the textiles in case of spinning and weaving techniques can show the technical development of the handicraft - tradition, innovation, influences and imports from other regions.

Hallstatt; Salt-mine, Iron Age; chequered diamond twill. © Museum of Natural History Vienna

To specify the nature of the Roman textiles in Austria, whose research is the aim of the project, it is necessary to give an overview of the textiles, namely from the salt-mines at Hallstatt. There we know due to the impregnation with salt excellent preserved textiles covering a time-span from 16th to 4th century BC more than 550 single fragments. The analysis comprises dyestuffs, textile techniques, development of production and the different functions of textiles in prehistoric times.

Besides the research for the development of textile techniques from Prehistory to Roman Period it is important to analyse all known Roman Period textiles found in Austria. Thanks to good cooperation with the Cultural Heritage Department (Bundesdenkmalamt), with different museums and excavators even unpublished material can be included to the project.

Pottenbrunn; grave 192, Roman Period; woven fabrics on a belt-buckle. © Bundesdenkmalamt

© 2008 by Mag. Dr. Karina Grömer and Ing. Peter Grömer-Mrazek