Possibilities in the Dating of Writing Materials and Textiles

Abstract

This paper discusses the characteristics of the commoner
classes of writing materials and textiles deriving from ancient
and more recent historical sources and the problems they
present for 14C dating. The materials under consideration
are, firstly, paper in various forms, parchment, and vellum
(ancient papyrus, which poses different kinds of dating problems,
is not considered) and secondly, fabrics such as linen,
cotton, and woolen textiles, to which, from the dating point
of view, similar technical considerations apply. Our main
concern is with problems associated with the dating of paper.