Haptic & Hue: Episode Summary – Elizabeth Wayland Barber & The Age of String

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Haptic & Hue's Tales of Textiles, host Jo Andrews delves into the profound contributions of Elizabeth Wayland Barber, a pioneering figure in textile archaeology. The episode, titled "Elizabeth Wayland Barber & The Age of String," explores Barber's groundbreaking work that redefined our understanding of ancient textiles and their central role in human civilization. Released on September 5, 2024, this episode commemorates the 30th anniversary reissue of Barber's influential book, Women's Work the First 20,000 Years.

Early Life and Influences

Elizabeth Wayland Barber's journey into the world of textiles and archaeology began in her childhood, deeply influenced by her family's background and her early experiences with weaving. As Jo Andrews narrates, Barber’s mother taught home economics and weaving during the challenging times of World War II, fostering a hands-on connection with textiles from a young age.

Elizabeth Wayland Barber [00:22]: "I have a sister. My earliest years were during the war and we didn't have much. And so mom made all our clothes... I still have it and still use it."

Barber’s father, a physicist, instilled in her a love for the sciences and problem-solving. This dual influence of practical textile skills and scientific inquiry set the stage for her unique interdisciplinary approach.

Elizabeth Wayland Barber [06:03]: "Never mind the discipline, just follow the problem."

A pivotal moment came during a family trip to Europe when Barber developed a fervent interest in archaeology, a field that seamlessly integrated her passions for science and textiles.

Academic Journey

Barber pursued her academic interests at Bryn Mawr, majoring in archaeology and classical Greek, complemented by geology. Her academic prowess extended to Yale, where she completed a Ph.D. in linguistics, a decision that would later prove invaluable in her archaeological research.

Elizabeth Wayland Barber [16:22]: "The bibliography in Prehistoric Textiles is in 25 languages. And that's only because I was able to do it. Because I had the PhD in linguistics."

Despite facing gender-based barriers, such as Princeton’s refusal to hire women for teaching positions in the 1960s, Barber persisted. She secured a part-time teaching role at Occidental College, where she began her seminal work on ancient textiles.

Writing Prehistoric Textiles

Barber’s first major publication, Archaeological Decipherment, showcased her expertise in linguistics and archaeology. However, it was her subsequent work, Prehistoric Textiles, that marked a turning point in the field.

Initially underestimating the scope of her project, Barber intended to produce a modest 10-page paper. Instead, her research expanded into a comprehensive 60-page monograph over 17 years, culminating in a book that would challenge and eventually transform archaeological perspectives on textiles.

Elizabeth Wayland Barber [12:01]: "I could look for a particular site where I knew there were textile remains... it took Elizabeth 17 years to research her great academic book, Prehistoric Textiles."

In Prehistoric Textiles, Barber argued that textiles were not merely byproducts of ancient societies but were central to their development. She demonstrated that ancient fibers and weaving techniques were far more sophisticated than previously acknowledged, pushing the origins of textiles back to 20,000 BCE.

Challenges and Impact

Upon its release in 1991, Prehistoric Textiles was met with initial silence in the United States. The American Journal of Archaeology did not review it, reflecting the academic community's unpreparedness for its revolutionary ideas.

Elizabeth Wayland Barber [22:31]: "When it came out, nobody knew what to do with it in this country... It was too different, it was too new."

However, the book gradually gained recognition, igniting interest among archaeologists and leading to increased awareness and subsequent discoveries. Barber's work laid the foundation for understanding textiles' vital role in human history, inspiring others to seek out and recognize textile evidence in archaeological sites.

Writing Women's Work the First 20,000 Years

Encouraged by the impact of her lectures based on Prehistoric Textiles, Barber embarked on writing Women's Work the First 20,000 Years. Coalescing her extensive research with a narrative approach, this book targeted a broader audience, including women's studies courses and general readers interested in early women's history.

Elizabeth Wayland Barber [24:47]: "I wanted to show people that ancient textiles were much more elaborate than they are thinking they were."

Published under the name E.J.W. Barber to obscure her gender and combat biases in academia, the book initially struggled to gain attention. Despite this, it eventually became a classic in the field, empowering a new generation of archaeologists to explore and value textile artifacts.

Legacy and Continuing Influence

Elizabeth Wayland Barber's contributions extend beyond her publications. She fostered a community of textile archaeologists, particularly women, who recognized the significance of textiles in understanding ancient societies. Her work not only shifted academic focus but also validated the role of women in the creation and advancement of textiles throughout history.

A landmark moment occurred in 2014 when Barber attended a conference in Hallstatt, Austria, discovering a thriving community of female textile archaeologists who credited her work with inspiring their careers. This recognition underscored her role as a guiding spirit in the field.

Elizabeth Wayland Barber [30:34]: "I about cried. You know, this was so wonderful because I never get any feedback because I was teaching in a tiny little college..."

Barber’s research continues to influence ongoing discoveries, with recent finds pushing the origins of textiles back even further. Her foresight and dedication have made ancient textiles a respected and essential aspect of archaeological study.

Elizabeth Wayland Barber [29:57]: "We're discovering that the before is a lot before than we thought... there's this find in northern France of deliberately made string. Neanderthal."

Conclusion

Elizabeth Wayland Barber's journey from a childhood immersed in weaving to becoming a trailblazing textile archaeologist exemplifies the profound impact that dedicated research and interdisciplinary approaches can have on our understanding of human history. Her books, Prehistoric Textiles and Women's Work the First 20,000 Years, remain seminal works that continue to inspire and guide scholars in the field. Through her unwavering commitment, Barber has ensured that textiles are recognized not just as utilitarian objects but as fundamental elements that shaped human societies across millennia.

For more insights and to take advantage of the 20% discount on the new edition of Women's Work the First 20,000 Years, visit www.hapticandhue.com.