Non-invasive methodologies for the study of mineralised textile traces in Iron Age contexts

This study presents the preliminary results of a non-invasive analysis of bronze fragments from the site of Buttrio (Udine). The analysed sample belongs to a bronze situla dating to the second half of the 7th century BC, currently preserved in the Archaeologi- cal Museum of Udine. These fragments are characterised by the presence of mineralized traces of textiles, which are relatively rare finds in this period but provide important information about the perishable materials, which represented one the most important and time-consuming economic activities of the past. The aim is to identify the fibres used in the production of the textiles, understand the manufacturing processes employed, and explore the nature of the archaeological context. The textile traces were analysed using standard analytical procedures to determine the main structural parameters, including weave type, thread count per centimetre, thread twist, diameter and angle, and the presence of edges and other peculiar elements. The analysis has been performed with traditional 2D documentation, including macro photos, and was complemented by a Scanning Electron Microscopy to characterise the morphology of the fibres. Additionally, a morphometric analysis of the sample was conducted using a structured light scanner to obtain 3D models that allow submillimetre measurements.