Clothing and accessories served practical and symbolic functions in the premodern world—protecting the body, maintaining temperature, and signaling social status or cultural affiliation. Textiles reflect not only humanity’s creativity in capturing natural motifs but also its adaptation to and consumption of the natural environment.
From 400 to 1800 CE, fibers used in textile production were primarily sourced from plants and animals. Linen, cotton, wool, and silk formed the foundation of garments across regions, while dyes derived from plants, insects, and minerals produced a wide range of vibrant and lasting colors. As people and goods circulated throughout the Middle East and North Africa, the materials and techniques used in textile making diversified. Fabrics from this period display a rich array of textures, colors, and patterns, brought to life through embroidery, weaving, dyeing, and printing. These methods were not just decorative; they were also expressive—serving as markers of community, tradition, and skilled craftsmanship.
Additional images of textiles from the Kelsey Museum and the Museum of Anthropological Archaeology can be found here. These pieces reveal how natural materials were creatively adapted to meet both everyday needs and cultural expression.
