Site Vindolanda Context Vindolanda via principalis to W of VIA Excavation year 1985 Site phase

Dimensions L. 310 mm W. 187 mm Preservation state organic Fabric structure 2/2 twill Twill pattern diamond Pattern repeat after 12 of (1) warp, 7 of (2) weft (36+ against border) [d1r consistently]

Borders Transverse border: a best-fit description/interpretation of what is left of the structure of the border is as follows (fig 00): groups of 3, possibly 4, warp threads emerge from the web and return into it. On emerging from the web pairs of groups are immediately clasped by a succession of 4 cords (each 2 ply, S-twisted from 2 medium Z-spun yarns) working tabby over 1 pair and under next. At the outer edge the groups in each pair part in opposite directions and return into the tabby band (c.5mm wide) created by the 4 cords. Whether the warp at the edge of the web is re-arranged in any way to form the groups of 3-4 yarns is not clear. The cords show a possibly purple tinge to their brown colour. The border is very badly damaged: a length of less than 20mm survives, and only a single warp thread in just one group can be seen to return into the diamond twill web, hence the tentative interpretation above. What is damaged but visible, however, does not conflict with that interpretation. The wider significance of the border is discussed elsewhere. The single warp thread that can be seen to return into the web, and the fact that the succession of 4 binding cords work as tabby and are followed by a strip adjacent to the border in which the weave direction of the weft does not change for 36 shots (or just over 36) may be relevant. It could be a starting border rather than a binding-in finishing border. Other features The dark-brown textile forms a rectangle, with neat (?cut) edges.