By Dorothee Olthof
Plant fibres are the oldest textile material of humankind. A recent discovery of a 40,000-year-old tree bark string made by a Neanderthal man confirms that again. Cordage, nets, baskets, fish traps, hats, coats, knife sheaths, shoes and possibly whole garments of lime bast, willow bast, sedges, rushes, nettle, flax, elm bast and grasses in all kinds of twining, looping, knotting and braiding techniques were an indispensable and very important part of the material culture of Stone and Bronze Age people. "The missing majority," as archaeologist Linda Hurcombe calls it. Because archaeologists find very little of it, due to the transient nature of the materials. During this workshop we are introduced to prehistoric fibre finds and braiding techniques. We are making a "showpiece" with examples of different techniques and materials, all based on archaeological finds from Europe. Of course you take your creation home afterwards.
Children from 6-7 years and up, accompanied by their adult, do some braiding. Please let us know in advance if you like to take Dorothee op on this offer.
Time: 3 hours
Participants: maximum 8 people per group
Minimum age: 10 years old
Costs: € 20 per person
About Dorothee Olthof: Your workshop leader is Dorothee Olthof from PRAE, archaeology and education. She has a lot of experience in giving textile and other workshops to young and old, from Leiden to South Korea.
