Archaeological Fibers and Fibrous Materials

Metal Threads. Metal threads, not really metal fibers but metal filaments, are human-made. In antiquity, metal threads were made for ornamenfal or decorative purposes from precious, ductile metals or alloys, particularly silver and gold and their alloys. Such threads were either applied with adhesives to finished fabrics or wound around ordinary textile yam cores the metal-covered yarn was then either woven into textile fabrics or embroidered on fhe fextile fabric (Jaro and Toth 1991 Lee-Whitmann and Skelton 1984). 

For blends of vegetable and animal fibers, however, the burning test may be indecisive. Moreover, dyes and mordants on yams or fabrics may affect 

Nature of fiber Near flame In flame After removal from flame Odor Residue 

Vegetable Ignites does Burns Continues Similar to Feathery, light 

Animal Curls away Burns Self- Similar to Small black 

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