Fibers

Microscopic fiber identification can be used to identify fibers used in the construction of cloth, rope, twine, and a variety of other items.  Twine or rope recovered from rock shelters or other places where preservation is exceptional have been identified.  A growing database of fibers used by the Fremont indicates that twine was made primarily from flax (Linum) or milkweed (Asclepius).  We expect to learn of other fibers used by the Fremont and other people as we continue with this analysis.

Occasionally fibers or bits of cloth are recovered as part of macrofloral samples from prehistoric and/or historic sites.  These fibers are identified using a compound light microscope with cross-polar illumination and a rotating stage.  Our reference library for identifying fibers continues to grow.

Updated 6-20-03