Prehistoric clothing is made using a plant fibre urtica dioica, or nettles. It was used by neolithic cultures before other fabrics became widespread

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Nettle fibers have been found during the neolithic period
They are known for being strong, durable, and similar in texture to linen when processed properly. Unlike cotton though, nettles grow easily without pesticides. The fibres are coarser, however. (1)

Neolithic and mesolithic evidence suggests nettle was used for ropes, fishing nets, and possibly clothing

Archaeological Finds:
A 2,800-year-old nettle textile was discovered in Denmark in a Bronze Age grave, showing the use of nettle fibers for high-quality fabric. (2)

Fibers were extracted through retting, similar to flax, where the stems were soaked in water to break down the softer plant material, leaving behind the strong inner fibers.

Nettle fabric is lightweight, breathable, and insulating, making it ideal for both warm and cold climates.

Nettle textiles provide fascinating insight into prehistoric fabric-making techniques and the resourcefulness of early humans in utilizing wild plants for everyday needs.

Check them out with some more neolithic architecture today!

Cite:
1) “Student shows off nettle knickers”(http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/low/uk_news/england/leicestershire/3
857445.stm). BBC News. 1 July 2004

2) Bergfjord, C. (2012). “Nettle as a distinct Bronze-Age textile plant” (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3460533). Scientific Reports. 2: 664. Bibcode:2012NatSR…2..664B (https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2012NatSR…2..664B). doi:10.1038/srep00664 (https://doi.org/10.1038%2Fsr
ep00664). PMC 3460533 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3460533).
PMID 23024858 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23024858)

Bibliography: Maiz-Tome, L. (2016). “Urtica dioica” (https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/167815/78457212).
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T167815A78457212. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T167815A78457212.en (https://doi.org/10.2305%2FIUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T167815A78457212.en)

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