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It seems in improbably good condition for something over 1000 years old and made of organic components, so given its somewhat vague provenance I'd like something to confirm its age. Has it been carbon dated?



It seems in improbably good condition for something over 1000 years old and made of organic components

Not at all. Dry climates means things keep well if they aren't disturbed. Witness, for example, 3000 year old leather sandals[1], or a 5500 year old shoe[2]

There are plenty of woven clothes much older than 1200 years, too[3].

However, none of the supposed woollen/felt clothes and hangings[4] from Catal Huyuk have survived. That puts a limit of around 8000 years on the life of wool.

[1] http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_ob...

[2] http://news.nationalgeographic.com.au/news/2010/06/100609-wo...

[3] http://www.turkotek.com/salon_00118/salon2.html

[4] http://www.marlamallett.com/chupdate.htm




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