Site-by site research on first millennium AD textiles from Egypt at the British Museum: conservation and documentation of archaeological collections

Abstract

• The chapter outlines recent approaches to conservation of and research on First Millennium AD textiles excavated in the early 20th century under the auspices of the Egypt Exploration Fund, Byzantine Research Fund and British School of Archaeology and now held in the British Museum. Systematic documentation and publication of First Millennium AD material culture has been undertaken and textile conservation has been an integral part of this site-by-site approach. This contribution discusses examples from Antinoopolis, Wadi Sarga, Deir el-Bahri at Western Thebes, Abydos, Oxyrhynchos and Antaeopolis to illustrate how conservation has aided knowledge and documentation, supported research, and allowed greater accessibility through photography and display.