engleski

Unravelling the funerary ritual - Early Iron Age mineralized textile remains from Tumulus 6 at Kaptol in Croatia

Textile, as an object made of organic material, is rarely found on archaeological sites because of its quick deterioration. Under right circumstances, textile can be recovered and give valuable insights into the lives of past peoples. By analyzing pictorial representations, textile remains and impressions or textile production tools, it is not only possible to determine the production process and the technical aspects of fabrics used in a certain period, but their function as well, depending on the find context. From a wide variety of sites, it is quite clear that in the Central and South-eastern European Early Iron Age textile served not only as clothing, but also for insulation, furnishings, everyday useful objects, etc. In addition, some valuable grave finds have confirmed that textiles also had an important role in the funerary ritual, where they customarily served as special, funerary clothing or shrouds and furnishings, but also as recipients for grave goods and cremated remains. By analyzing metal finds from the princely grave in Tumulus 6 at Kaptol in Croatia, several small fragments of mineralized textile were found attached to certain iron artifacts mostly associated with horse gear. Using digital microscopy, they were identified as small pieces of twill fabrics. As the horse gear does not constitute a part of the deceased' dress, the textile attached to it probably originates from a textile shroud or pouch encasing grave goods. Since this tumulus is deemed one of the richest on the necropolis of Gradca at Kaptol, based on the large number of elite grave goods placed inside it, it does not seem unusual that it might have been filled with high quality perishable goods, as well. As being part of the funerary ritual, the fabrics inside the tumulus had a representative effect, as well as a protective and decorative function.

mineralized textile ; textile function, cremation graves ; funerary practice ; Early Iron Age ; Kaptol culture

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