Archaeologists from Tel Aviv University and the Israel Antiquities Authority have uncovered an extensive fabric collection in the ancient copper mines of Timna Valley, Israel.
A fine wool textile dyed red and blue, found at Timna. The textile used the various colors of natural animal hair to create black and orange-brown colors for decorative bands. Image credit: Clara Amit / Israel Antiquities Authority.
The textiles — dating back to the times of kings David and Solomon — may give archaeologists insight into the lives of the early Edomites, a semi-nomadic tribe that operated the copper mines at Timna.
“We found fragments of textiles that originated from bags, clothing, tents, ropes and cords,” said Dr. Erez Ben-Yosef, senior lecturer in archaeology at the Tel Aviv University’s Department of Archaeology and ANE Cultures.
The small pieces of fabric — some only 2×2 inches (5×5 cm) in size — vary in color, weaving technique and ornamentation.
“The wide variety of fabrics also provides new and important information about the Edomites, who, according to the Bible, warred with the Kingdom of Israel,” Dr. Ben-Yosef said.
“We found simply woven, elaborately decorated fabrics worn by the upper echelon of their stratified society.”
“Luxury grade fabric adorned the highly skilled, highly respected craftsmen managing the copper furnaces. They were responsible for smelting the copper, which was a very complicated process.”
According to the team, ancient miners in Timna Valley may have been slaves or prisoners.
To support copper production in the middle of the desert, food, water and textiles had to be transported long distances through the unforgiving desert climate and into the valley.
“We found linen, which was not produced locally. It was most likely from the Jordan Valley or Northern Israel,” explained team member Vanessa Workman, also from Tel Aviv University.
“The majority of the fabrics were made of sheep’s wool, a cloth that is seldom found in this ancient period.”
“This tells us how developed and sophisticated both their textile craft and trade networks must have been.”
“Nomad does not mean simple. This discovery strengthens our understanding of the Edomites as an important geopolitical presence,” Dr. Ben-Yosef added.
“The fabrics are of a very high quality, with complex designs and beautiful dyes.”
