Differences in Textile Metal Threads in Croatia Through the Centuries.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Archaeology
• Textile History

Background:

• Metal threads in textiles historically signified wealth, authority, and status.
• Their use ranged from liturgical vestments and ceremonial attire to military uniforms.
• Evolution in metal thread composition and application reflects societal and economic changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the evolution of textile metal threads in Croatia across different historical periods.
• To investigate changes in material composition, physical properties, and usage of metal threads.
• To correlate these changes with historical customs and societal developments.

Main Methods:

• Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) for metal analysis.
• Laboratory optical microscopy for determining textile core types.
• Comparative analysis of archaeological and museum-preserved textile metal threads.

Main Results:

• Archaeological samples feature gilded silver metal components with silk cores.
• Historical samples show diverse metal threads (lamellae, wires) with cotton cores and copper-based metals.
• A decline in metal thread quality correlated with increased accessibility and everyday use.

Conclusions:

• Textile metal threads serve as valuable indicators of historical customs, social status, and technological advancements.
• Material analysis reveals a transition from precious metals for elite use to more common alloys for broader application.
• The study highlights the dynamic role of metal threads in reflecting Croatian cultural and economic history.