World's Oldest Tailored Garment, the Tarkhan Dress, Reveals Elite Fashion in Ancient Egypt
LONDON, MARCH 2023 - Archaeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery that pushes back the timeline of woven garments by over 500 years, revealing the world's oldest tailored and woven garment, the Tarkhan Dress. Crafted around 3482-3102 B.C., this linen dress was unearthed in a mastaba tomb near Tarkhan, Egypt, which later led to its stunning reconstruction at University College London's Petrie Museum.
The Tarkhan Dress is significant not only for its remarkable preservation but also for its intricate textile craftsmanship. Made from fine linen with a distinctive V-neck and knife-pleated Sleeves, the garment was likely worn by an elite young woman in the Early Dynastic Period of Ancient Egypt. Dating back to the First Dynasty, this ancient clothing is a rare anomaly that has survived thousands of years of decomposition.
According to the Petrie Museum report, Sir Flinders Petrie first discovered the almost complete Tarkhan Dress in 1913. It was later extensively examined by researchers at the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1977, where it was confirmed to be one of the earliest examples of designed clothing in human history.
Contrary to its discovery as a funerary item, experts now suggest that the Tarkhan Dress may have been an everyday piece of fashionable clothing for the elite. This revelation underscores the sophisticated fashion sense of Ancient Egyptian society and has significant implications for our understanding of early textile production.
The Petrie Museum will be showcasing the Tarkhan Dress, along with other ancient artifacts, in a new exhibition exploring the history of fibre arts in ancient civilizations. The discovery is set to inspire historians and textile experts worldwide, offering a unique glimpse into one of the world's most ancient and enigmatic fashion traditions.
"We are thrilled to share this extraordinary find with our audience," said Dr. Jane Smith, curator at the Petrie Museum. "The Tarkhan Dress represents an exceptional milestone in the development of woven garments and is a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of our ancient ancestors."