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Prehistoric Textiles: The Development of Cloth in the Neolithic and Bronze Ages with Special Reference to the Aegean

Name: Prehistoric Textiles: The Development of Cloth in the Neolithic and Bronze Ages with Special Reference to the Aegean
Price: 49.49 USD
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4.8 of 5 Stars: Archaeology - Prehistoric Textiles: The Development of Cloth in the Neolithic and Bronze Ages with Special Reference to the Aegean

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Book Synopsis: This pioneering work revises our notions of the origins and early development of textiles in Europe and the Near East. Using innovative linguistic techniques, along with methods from palaeobiology and other fields, it shows that spinning and pattern weaving began far earlier than has been supposed. Prehistoric Textiles made an unsurpassed leap in the social and cultural understanding of textiles in humankind's early history. Cloth making was an industry that consumed more time and effort, and was more culturally significant to prehistoric cultures, than anyone assumed before the book's publication. The textile industry is in fact older than pottery--and perhaps even older than agriculture and stockbreeding. It probably consumed far more hours of labor per year, in temperate climates, than did pottery and food production put together. And this work was done primarily by women. Up until the Industrial Revolution, and into this century in many peasant societies, women spent every available moment spinning, weaving, and sewing. The author, Elizabeth Wayland Barber, demonstrates command of an almost unbelievably disparate array of disciplines--from historical linguistics to archaeology and paleobiology, from art history to the practical art of weaving. Her passionate interest in the subject matter leaps out on every page. Barber, a professor of linguistics and archaeology, developed expert sewing and weaving skills as a small girl under her mother's tutelage. One could say she had been born and raised to write this book. Because modern textiles are almost entirely made by machines, we have difficulty appreciating how time-consuming and important the premodern textile industry was. This book opens our eyes to this crucial area of prehistoric human culture.

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Are you curious about the origins of textiles? Want to delve into the fascinating world of prehistoric cloth-making? Look no further than "Prehistoric Textiles: The Development of Cloth in the Neolithic and Bronze Ages with Special Reference to the Aegean" – a groundbreaking book that challenges conventional wisdom and sheds new light on the ancient art of textile production.

By employing innovative linguistic techniques and drawing from various disciplines such as archaeology and paleobiology, this pioneering work by Elizabeth Wayland Barber uncovers the true timeline of spinning and pattern weaving, revealing that they started much earlier than previously believed.

Prepare to be amazed as Barber unveils the astonishing fact that the textile industry predates pottery. It was an industry of immense cultural significance, consuming more time and effort than anyone could have imagined. For countless prehistoric cultures, textiles were the backbone of their societies. Women painstakingly spun, weaved, and sewed for hours on end, contributing to the fabric of their communities.

With her expertise in linguistics, archaeology, and the practical arts of weaving, Barber explores the subject matter with unrivaled passion and knowledge. It's evident that she was destined to write this compelling book, given her upbringing and mastery of sewing and weaving skills.

Today, with textiles primarily manufactured by machines, it's easy to overlook the vital role that the premodern textile industry played in shaping our history. "Prehistoric Textiles" is a captivating journey that opens our eyes to the profound impact of ancient cloth-making on human culture.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of our essential textile heritage. Order your copy of "Prehistoric Textiles" now and embark on an enlightening adventure through the corridors of time.

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