Feathered headdresses and fur clothing in Neolithic‑Bronze Age northern Europe

Feathered headdresses and fur clothing in Neolithic‑Bronze Age northern Europe. Microscopic analysis of grave goods from Sweden and Italy identified bird feathers, animal hair and fur fragments Evidence of elaborate headdresses and multicolored footwear among elite individuals Technique of water‑assisted fiber separation enables detection of organic textiles in poor preservation contexts

Microscopic analysis of grave goods from Sweden revealed bird feathers, animal hair and fur fragments, indicating elaborate feather headgear among Mesolithic individuals at Skateholm, dating back roughly 7000 years. A new technique enables detection of feather and fur fragments even in poorly preserved burial contexts.

Key Facts

• Microscopic analysis of grave goods from Sweden and Italy identified bird feathers, animal hair and fur fragments
• Evidence of elaborate headdresses and multicolored footwear among elite individuals
• Technique of water‑assisted fiber separation enables detection of organic textiles in poor preservation contexts

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