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‘Atiqot 50 (2005)
ISBN 2948-040X
Textiles, Basketry, Cordage and Whorls from Mo’a (Moje Awad)
(pp. 99–152)
Orit Shamir
Keywords: spindle whorls, technology, weaving, imports, commerce
The artifacts were discovered in a way station along the Spice Route, which was exposed at Mo’a in the ‘Arava Valley. A total of 310 textile fragments were analyzed. They are made of wool, goat hair and linen, in plain weave and its variations. Dyed fabrics are also present. Some pieces were decorated with colored bands or tapestry. Most of the 88 basketry items were plaited. In addition, there are two braids, a sandal and a net. The cordage from Mo’a comprises 166 threads, strings and ropes, mostly made from date palm, goat hair, wool, and mixed goat hair and wool fibers. The finds were dated to the Early Roman period.