Fulled red hose

A grave find from Ravattula Ristimäki in south west Finland dated to the early 13th century

Abstract

Ristimäki (Cross Hill) inhumation cemetery in the Ravattula village in Kaarina in south west Finland dates to the Late Iron Age and Early Medieval Period (12th to 13th centuries). In addition to the cemetery, this site has the remains of the earliest known church in the country. In one woman’s grave (41/2016), rich in textiles and 14C-dated likely to the early 13th century, the leg coverings of the deceased were interpreted as hose. In the grave, there were pieces of the leg parts of hose and their fastening braids. The fulled fabric was woven in twill probably from locally produced wool and dyed red with madder (Rubia tinctorum L.). Cultivated madder was an expensive imported product in Finland, and its use became more common only later in the Middle Ages. Red hose showed the influence of European medieval fashion, which is unique in Finnish textile material of this era.