Maiden Mother Matriarch with Louise Perry Work fit for a goddess | Maiden Mother Matriarch Episode 180
Jan 11, 2026
In this engaging discussion, Elizabeth Wayland Barber, an esteemed archaeologist and textile historian, explores the pivotal role of textiles in human history. She unveils how the invention of string revolutionized survival and social structure, highlighting its significance as women's work. Barber connects ancient spinning practices to fertility symbolism and shares insights on communal weaving as a form of childcare. With anecdotes on linen in ancient Egypt and the importance of mending today, she invites listeners to appreciate the artistry and history behind everyday textiles.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
String As Humanity’s Unseen Tool
- Simple string and early textile tech were decisive in human expansion by enabling warmth, hunting aids, and toolmaking.
- Elizabeth Wayland Barber argues string was the "unseen weapon" that let humans conquer the earth.
Why Textile Evidence Is Hidden
- Textiles rarely survive archaeologically because fibers are perishable and small, so evidence is often accidental.
- Impressions on fired clay, fine needles, beads, and sculptures provide indirect proof of ancient textile work.
Venus Figurines Wearing String Skirts
- Some Venus figurines show string garments like waistbands and string skirts that signal fertility or marriageability.
- These string skirts survive in Eastern European folk costume as signals of reproductive status.
