Ornamenta vel vestimenta ex sepulchro abstulere. Reflections on the presence of fabrics, trimmings and accessories of clothing in Late Antique Mediterranean funerary world

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present a first approach to the functionality and symbology of the fabrics, ornaments and garments accessories for the funerary practices in the Mediterranean world between 4th and 10th c. In an attempt to integrate written and archaeological information we discuss various problems like the most frequent terminology, the rules of the funerary practice, the indumentary role as an element of prestige and social rank, its production and the funerary re-use of manufactures with a different source function.