conference

PRIFYSGOL CYMRU ABERTAWE,
UNIVERSITY OF WALES SWANSEA.

Practical Dressmaking for Ancient Egyptians: Ancient Sewing Techniques and Replica Clothing Construction.

Janet Johnstone (Egyptian Cultural Heritage Organisation)

Experimental archaeology provides practical evidence and sometimes, unexpected results for theoretical and archaeological research. Although manufacturing a replica object has many rewards reflecting its use and purpose, it needs to be tested to destruction under similar conditions of wear as the ancient originals to gain full appreciation.

I construct ancient Egyptian replica clothing using authentic sewing techniques sourced from extant ancient garments and textiles. Where better to test how the clothing performs than on a film set? By observing and recording the actors as they rigorously recreate the daily life of ancient Egyptians for historical TV documentaries. The replica clothing is subjected to a lifetime of extreme wear within its short life as theatre costume.

My research highlights the strengths and weaknesses of ancient Egyptian clothing construction from the range of pattern cutting; the concept of 'fitting' a garment to the body; the wear and crease patterning on the garments in comparison with ancient textiles to the experience of dressing as an ancient Egyptian by the costumed individual.

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