There seems to be a lot of symbolism attached to the kurgans. They are located at the same latitude as Stonehenge, may have had standing stones on top of the kurgans themselves, marking the locations of prominate constellations in the cardnal & secondary directions. Also the three rings that create each kurgan representing the sacred mountain, sun, and moon, essentally creating a heavenly earth on earth. The sacred mountain being the dwelling of the hunted hunter (the deceased). But as the constellations promise the renewal of life, so too does death turn to life.

Slowly sussing out the timeline for Scythian, Scyth / Sarmatian, and Sarmatian. The overlap and disagreement between researcher is frustrating. Plus I now have questions regarding the Mithran cult. But seeing as It's a mystery religion I don't expect answers to fall into my lap.

In my most recent research foray I've been looking at finds from the Arzhan kurgans. Located reproductions of burial attire for a Scythian couple. Images from the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. Both outfits are adorned with gold plaques. The reproductions are of red and white fabrics, but they are not identified as to type of cloth. I would hypothisize it is hemp, as it would fit the historical remarks regarding the fabrics used by the Scythians, however other materials are possible. Their ankleboots should be leather, quiet possibly horse. This particular couple were not intured at the same time, the man having died earlier then the woman buried with him. Based on similarities in costume, they're of the same tribe, likely married.

Zweeloo Princess

A friend of mine recently showed me the most amazing fabric. The Zweeloo "Princess" wore a garment woven in a lozenge twill, likely made of linen. This is to date the most complicated period weave I've seen. My friend has decieded that this dress with it's belt of glass beads, and amber necklace is our big group A&S project. Fortunately she doesn't expect it to be done this year. I'm trying to locate a good picture of the fabric itself. The idea of creating this dress from the yarn up is thrilling. First step I must learn how to create the pattern. Basic twill isn't an issue, but this will take mastery. I can't wait! I found a reference to this style in Ellizabeth Wayland Barber's book Prehistoric Textiles. It even has a diagram of how the warp and weft interact. While Barber's book doesn't specifically mention the Zweeloo find or fabric, the design appears to be the same pattern.

It is difficult to see detail in the pictures I'm finding online. But I'm hoping to come across a book with more information. I ave been told that the dress is made of linen or wool, seems the jury is still out on that one, partially because so little of the fabric was found.

Also working on garb. With Coronatian coming up in May everyone wants something pretty and new. Just about finished with Dave's chef's coat. It looks really professional. Practicing my embroidery on the pocket. I have to do at least one more for Adam, as he's head chef. I've also added embroidery to Dave's tunic for this weekend. Lissa has almost an entire outfit hand-sewen. She's gonna push me to try harder. It's great! I love having someone around to compete with on a friendly level.

Eurasian Textiles

The on-going struggle to find examples of fabric from pre-Hunnic Eurasia. The climate of the steppes is ill suited to preservation. Fortunately there are exceptions to the rule. Today I found a beautiful example of rug weaving (thanks in no small part to my disorginized ramblings about the interwebs). I have found several sites with pictures and information regarding this find. Pazyrk Kurgan 5 specifically, however as always seems to be the case, it has multiple claims upon it. It is being refered to as a Persian carpet by some, Scythian by others. True the Persian Empire spans the ages, however most dates I find are post 550 BCE. Prior to that there was a parade of empires in the area. The rug was found in a Scythian burial kurgan, has been dated to the 5th century BCE. Above that it's difficult to say who made it. It does pocess Scythian themes, including figures on horseback, gryphons and deer. Yes it is a pile carpet, meaning it is knotted in the persian style. But also consider the quality of work, over 180 knots to the square inch. This is not the result of a new technology. The rug was made by culture who had mastered the needed skills. With the number of cultures in the the area and the fact that many were nomadic in nature it is possible that this technique was introduced to the region from elsewhere. On the other hand perhaps not. One cannot argue the importance of such finds, as they continue to prove how clever, talented and advanced our ancestors truely were.