Exploiting Nature: Plant Fibre Technologies and Economies in Ancient Egypt

When we think of Ancient Egypt, we picture pyramids, temples, and towering statues. Yet much of daily life was built not of stone, but of plant fibres. Thanks to Egypt’s dry desert climate, objects that usually vanish over time—baskets, mats, ropes, sandals, and fine linen textiles—have survived for over three thousand years. These humble items filled most graves and were essential for living.
Producing such huge amounts of textiles and cords was no simple task. It required not only skilled workers but also fertile land and water—resources that were also needed to grow food. This raises a fascinating question: how did ancient Egyptians balance fibre production with the demands of feeding their people and animals? My project explores this by focusing on Deir el-Medina, a village of artisans near Luxor, during the New Kingdom and the Third Intermediate Period. Here, the combination of exceptionally preserved
organic remains and thousands of private and administrative texts offers a unique window into the past.