The burial bundle, with Textiles A, B, and C, before conservation.
The large Textile A formed a unique wrapping sheet. It was folded over twice
to create an "envelope" that contained the corpse of the deceased. The two
smaller textiles, probably items of
dress, also lay inside the burial bundle.
The textile assemblage reflects a very high level of fiber technology. It
also suggests that the warrior was a person of high rank, perhaps a "chief"
or other leader.
Because the textiles had become very stiff and brittle, they had to undergo
painstaking processes of conservation.
The wrapping sheet, 23 by 7 feet, is made of linen yarn, woven in the basic
tabby weave. Dark-brown patterned bands at both ends and elaborate warp and
weft fringes embellish the cloth. The weaving of such a wide cloth would
have required an enormous loom and an experienced team of three or four
weavers working side by side.
