Cordage and Netting from The Paisley Caves: Plant Materials, Technology, and Cultural Indicators.

Excavations at the Paisley Caves between 2002 and 2011 recovered a significant and diverse assemblage of well-preserved textiles, including approximately 300 specimens of fine and coarse cordage. In this study, plant taxa, chronology, and cordage technology are explored to identify possible correlations between plant selection and cordage manufacture over time. As expected, there is preference for using bark and monocot stems for rope and most medium cordage, and softer bast fibers for fine cord. Results also indicate dogbane is the primary source of fiber in the construction of fine cordage, followed by stinging nettle. A change in fine cord technology during the Early Holocene supports previous arguments of cultural change after 9,000 years ago. Additional plant fibers, including flax, milkweed, and cotton present during the last 1,000years, and a more diverse textile assemblage overall, suggest expanded social contacts with groups farther south and east. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]