Spinning and Weaving of the Middle Don Population of the Scythian Time

Abstract

Introduction. The article analyzes the level of developing spinning and weaving production of the Middle Don population in the Scythian time. Based on studying textile prints on the bottoms of ceramic vessels, as well as some extant samples of fabrics, the fineness of threads and the direction of their twist, the type of weave and the density of fabrics are reconstructed. Methods. The authors studied 18 samples of fabric imprints on the bottoms of the ceramic vessels of Mostyshche hillfort. The imprints were made with the help of highly plastic clay. The analysis of the extant fragments of fabrics was carried out with the help of microscopic equipment in the laboratory of the State Historical Museum. Analysis. The fabric imprints of different varieties made of fibers of vegetable origin were found on the pottery from Mostishche hillfort. The density of coarser ones did not exceed 10 threads per 1 cm. The majority were fabrics with a density of up to 15 threads per 1 cm. The textile from the barrow burials was made of woolen threads, was of high density and, accordingly, a higher quality. In addition, one of the fabric fragments found in the barrows was painted red, and probably was imported. Results. Almost all analyzed samples had a simple plain weave of 1/1. An exception was only a fragment of fabrics found near Mastyugino village, which had a rep weave of 1/3. The fineness of threads in fabrics varied, but, as a rule, was uniform over the entire length, which indicates a highly developed spinning process. The uniform distribution of weft and warp threads in the fabric structure, as well as using threads of different twist direction in one fabrics, shows developed weaving production. The analysis of other archaeological sources, as well as involving ethnographic data allows the authors of the article to assume parallel use of horizontal and vertical weaving looms in the Scythian time in the Middle Don.