Preserving textile finds from the Hallstatt mines
Textile researchers are extremely fortunate to have the mines of Hallstatt. In Europe there are only very few locations which offer such ideal conditions for preserving items made of organic material. Such finds dating back thousands of years provide impressive proof of just how diverse the raw materials were which people used in prehistoric times to create textiles. Unlike in other locations where certain textiles have perished due to the conditions, there are no gaps in the Hallstatt finds.Preventing bacterial activity
Lack of oxygen delays decay process
High humidity levels and low temperatures
Preventing bacterial activity
The prehistoric mines at Hallstatt and Dürrnberg offer unique preservation conditions found nowhere else in Europe for this period. The toxic effect salt has on bacteria means that it can help to preserve fibers. As a result, bacteria dry out and die. This in turn prevents bacterial activity in the material, which would otherwise lead to the decay of the organic materials.Lack of oxygen delays decay process
The hollow areas underground created by humans are quickly re-closed by the pressure of the amorphic and soft Haselgebirge mountains, sealing the remains of the prehistoric mine into an air-tight compartment. As oxygen is unable to reach the items, the oxidative and microbiological decay processes are inhibited.High humidity levels and low temperatures
The relatively high humidity levels in the mines prevent the fibers from drying out. This, combined with the permanently low temperatures below ground, delay the natural decay process. The result is that the organic textiles, which have been preserved in an excellent state, are still soft and supple even today.(Groemer, K. - Reschreiter, H. - Loew, C.)
