The oldest confirmed piece of woven clothing discovered to date is the Tarkhan Dress. While this ancient garment is a significant archaeological find, it is important to clarify that it is not "still worn" in the conventional sense today. Instead, it offers invaluable insight into ancient textile and fashion history.
The Tarkhan Dress: A Glimpse into Ancient Fashion
The Tarkhan Dress holds the distinction of being the world's oldest known piece of woven clothing. This remarkable linen garment, dating back over 5,000 years, was unearthed in 1913 during excavations at the Tarkhan cemetery, located south of Cairo in Egypt. Its sophisticated design, featuring pleats and well-tailored sleeves, indicates a high level of craftsmanship for its era, suggesting it may have been a high-status garment.
Key Details of the Tarkhan Dress
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Discovery Location | Tarkhan cemetery, south of Cairo, Egypt |
| Excavation Year | 1913 |
| Estimated Age | Over 5,000 years old (dating back to the First Dynasty of ancient Egypt) |
| Material | Linen |
| Significance | Confirmed as the world's oldest piece of woven clothing |
| Current Location | Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, University College London |
Importance in Historical Context
This ancient dress provides archaeologists and historians with crucial evidence regarding early textile production, garment construction techniques, and social practices in ancient Egypt. Its survival in such a remarkably preserved state is rare and offers a direct link to the daily lives and aesthetic preferences of people from over five millennia ago. The fine pleating and intricate design demonstrate that ancient Egyptians possessed advanced knowledge of weaving and tailoring.
Clarifying "Still Worn"
While the Tarkhan Dress represents the oldest known woven garment, it is crucial to understand that it is an archaeological artifact housed in a museum. It is not an item of clothing "still worn" by individuals today. The concept of "still worn" typically refers to types of clothing or specific items that have remained in continuous use over extended periods, which does not apply to this specific, excavated ancient garment. Its discovery allows us to understand the origins of clothing, but it exists as a historical relic rather than a piece of everyday wear.
