Authors: Jenna Norris
Mentors: Kerry Muhlestein
Insitution: Brigham Young University
In the hot and dry climate of the Fag el-Gamous Cemetery in Egypt, a wide range of elaborately woven textiles have been preserved, each with unique characteristics and technical elements. Through analyzing technical elements, this research aims to reveal evidence of foreign textile production or materials incorporated in Fag el-Gamous burials. The BYU Egypt Excavation Team has been excavating at the cemetery for over 40 years, uncovering important information about the region’s ancient inhabitants. Due to their exceptional preservation, textiles can provide significant insights into the lives and identities of the individuals buried at the site. While studies have been conducted in the past to address how socioeconomic status and religious affiliation are reflected in textiles, more remains to be learned about how foreign connections and trade affected textile production in the Fayoum region. This research aims to utilize both technical and design analysis to identify foreign textiles—including analyzing weaving techniques, thread manipulations, and woven motifs. It will also aim to use these forms of analyses to detect potential indications of immigration, providing a foundation for future research into connections between immigrant status and funerary practices.