Ethnographic textiles are among the most fragile and complex artifacts in cultural heritage collections. Unlike traditional textiles, which are often well-documented and widely studied, ethnographic textiles present unique challenges due to their multimaterial composition, diverse production techniques, and exposure to varying environmental conditions over time. These artifacts are often made from organic materials such as barkcloth, feathers, vegetable fibers, natural dyes, and resins, many of which are susceptible to degradation, discoloration, and microbial growth.
Progetti
A3TEX Research in Proteomics for Textile Heritage Conservation
A3TEX’s research not only enhances our understanding of historical textile production and trade but also provides essential tools for conservators seeking to preserve delicate cultural heritage artifacts. By integrating proteomics with advanced analytical techniques, the research of the A3TEX conservation scientists represent a significant contribution to both archaeological science and museum conservation efforts. Through the following research and analyses, A3TEX will establish a new standard in textile proteomics, offering a transformative approach to the study and preservation of historic fabrics worldwide.
A3TEX Research in Spectroscopy for Textile Heritage Conservation
Dr. Alessandro Ciccola’s main research is aimed in the innovative application of spectroscopic methods for the characterization of objects of art and historical interest, in agreement with the main principles of non-invasiveness and non-destructivity, fundamental for the conservation of Cultural Heritage.
ADigTex. Archaeology, Archaeometry, and Digitalisation of Ancient Textiles. From Pompeii to the Roman Empire
ADigTex is a multidisciplinary project involving Universities of Sapienza and Padua that aims to investigate the technology and economy of textile production in the Roman Empire by integrating data from a broad range of evidence such as fabrics, textile tools, literary sources and archaeological contexts. The project seeks to generate new knowledge regarding raw materials and natural resources for finishing textiles, tools and technical operations, as well as on a macro level, workplaces and social practices connected with Roman textile cultures
DIGArTex – Archaeology, Archaeometry, and Digital technologies for the investigation of Archaeological Textiles
DIGArTex is a three-year project funded by the Italian Ministry of Culture under the YOUNG RESEARCHER 2024 (PNRR) research fund. The funding was granted to Postdoctoral Fellowships – Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA PF) Projects awarded the Seal of Excellence. Principal Investigator Dr Francesca Coletti.
FAROS – The Fabric of Kings: Funerary Textile Remains from Mycenae and the early Mycenaean Textile Production
Our understanding of Late Bronze Age textile production in mainland Greece has traditionally relied on evidence from the palatial period, including textile tools, iconography, written documents, and textile remains. However, knowledge of textile production during the early Mycenaean period has remained limited.
I tessuti delle Navi Romane di Nemi
Nell’ambito della collaborazione scientifica con il Museo delle Navi Romane di Nemi (RM), il centro A3Tex è impegnato nella catalogazione, documentazione e studio dei manufatti tessili e degli intrecci vegetali associati alle navi romane rivenute nel lago di Nemi, con l’obiettivo di comprenderne le materie prime e le tecniche di manifattura, come anche di approfondire la tematica del riciclo dei tessuti e della loro funzione nel settore navale.
Il Tlahmachayatl: alla scoperta di un capolavoro tessile mesoamericano a Roma. (TexMex)
Nascosto tra le meraviglie artistiche del Museo delle Civiltà a Roma, si cela un oggetto straordinario che racconta la grandezza delle civiltà indigene d’America: il Tlahmachayatl, un raro tessuto mesoamericano adornato di piume, testimone di una tradizione artigianale unica nel suo genere.
TEXTaiLES – TEXTile digitisAtIon tooLs and mEthodS for cultural heritage
The A3TEX Center is leading the European consortium TEXTaiLES in designing a groundbreaking, end-to-end technological ecosystem for managing the entire lifecycle of textile heritage digitalization. This initiative spans from data collection to digital restoration, integrating cutting-edge technologies.
Textile culture in the cities of Ionia
Textiles are a fundamental component in the daily lives of modern and ancient people alike. From what we wear to what we furnish our houses with, textiles have played a crucial role in defining individual and collective identities throughout history.
Despite their importance, very little is known to this day about the Textile Culture of Ionia. Researching textiles in the region is particularly interesting given its nature, which has been compared to a colourful “mosaic”.











