Textiles and Basketry

Physical identification

Ancient cloth, woven fragments, baskets and organic materials. Record dimensions, weight, manufacture, surfaces, repairs, labels, mounts and inscriptions before cleaning or treatment.

Key cautions

• Organic artifacts are sensitive to light and humidity.
• Dyes, fibers and weave structures need specialists.
• Many countries strongly protect archaeological textiles.

Provenance and lawful movement

Ask when the object first appeared outside the ground, who owned it, where it was located, how it left its likely source country and whether the seller warrants good title in writing.

Authenticity and conservation

Condition and authenticity can be intertwined. Artificial deposits, modern joins and restored surfaces may disguise manufacture. No single photograph, certificate or test proves the complete history of an object.