Pages: 345-358

This paper explores the earliest evidences of weaving in the Bronze Age of the forest-steppe Volga region. It employs a detailed structural and material analysis of the cloth fragment and textile impressions on ceramic vessels. These materials were found in the cemeteries of the Potapovo cultural type which dates back to the first half of the II millennium BC. We found out that wool was used as raw material and explored technological parameters of the Bronze Age fabrics and aspects of the spinning process. The closest analogy of Potapovo weaving traditions are found in the Sintashta culture of the southern Trans-Urals.

Keywords: Volga region, Late Bronze Age, weaving, textile impressions, sites of Potapovo type, Sintashta culture

Information about authors:

Polina Medvedeva (Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation). South Ural State Humanitarian-Pedagogical University. Lenin Ave., 69, Chelyabinsk, 454080, Russian Federation
E-mail: [email protected]
Oleg Mochalov (Samara, Russian Federation). Doctor of Historical Sciences. Samara State University of Social Sciences and Education. Maxim Gorky St., 65/67, Samara, 443099, Russian Federation
E-mail: [email protected]
Olga Orfinskaya (Moscow, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. I. E. Grabar Federal Art-Scientific Restoration Cente. Radio St., 17/6, Moscow, 105005, Russian Federation
E-mail: [email protected]