Micro-computed tomography imaging and segmentation of the archaeological textiles from Valmarinniemi

Objective: Archaeological textiles represent a variety of structures and materials, often subject to post -depositional effects such as dirt and decay. In this study, we examined textiles in 3D with high-resolution micro-computed tomography (mu CT) imaging and studied the internal structures and patterns of textiles. In addition, nanoscale CT was used to identify fibre material.Design: Two tablet-woven textile fragments and a plain-woven textile were excavated from a late medieval burial site in Valmarinniemi, Finland. Two textiles were scanned with mu CT imaging and one with nanoscale CT imaging. Image segmentation was performed to study the internal structural components of the fabrics, yarns, and fibres.Results: The tablet-woven ribbon and plain-woven textile were imaged and visualised in 3D using high-resolution mu CT and nanoscale CT imaging. 3D mu CT images together with segmenting showed the structure of the woven textiles and how warp and weft intertwine. Nanoscale CT imaging of plain-woven fragment showed individual fibres and provided information in identifying the fibres as cotton.Conclusions: High-resolution mu CT and nanoscale CT enabled the examination and identification of archaeological textiles in 3D. Thus, mu CT imaging brings added value to the study of archaeological textiles with a precise method to study internal structures that otherwise would be invisible or difficult to examine and evaluate yarn and individual fibre geometry in a way that is less laborious and time-consuming than conventional methods.

Automated summary

In this study, high-resolution micro-computed tomography (mu CT) and nanoscale CT imaging were used to examine and identify the internal structures and fiber materials of archaeological textiles. The results showed that mu CT imaging provided a 3D visualization of the woven textiles, revealing the intertwining of warp and weft, while nanoscale CT imaging allowed for the identification of individual fibers in the fabric.