New Book on Ancient Garments Debuts at Vapriikki

"A medieval costume day is held at Vapriikki this Saturday," Tamperelainen reports. The event features performances, hands-on craft stations, music, and market stalls, and the same day marks the release of a new book on ancient textiles.

The volume Muinaispuvuista silkkimyssyihin – Archaeological Textile Research from Pirkanmaa gathers the latest research on Pirkanmaa’s Iron Age and early modern textiles, clothing, and the methods used to study them. Archaeological textile remains, fur, and accessories provide a rich material to examine past clothing and, more broadly, people’s identities, social status, living environments, economies, connections, and rituals.

The book presents Vapriikki’s research results and outlines methods now used in international textile studies, from microscopy and dye chemistry to proteomics and ancient DNA. Along Pirkanmaa’s drumlin belt, Tampere’s Vilusenharjun and Ylöjärvi’s Mikkolan cemeteries illuminate Crusade-era communities (ca. 1050–1200 CE) life, death, and social relations. From these grave finds, the project reconstructs Tampere region ancient costumes, providing patterns, instructions, and tips in the book.