Session: #570

Content:

Current research on artefacts is highlighting more and more often the sharing of skills, techniques and designs across media, either intentionally or accidentally. One particular form that appears in metals, organic fibres, ceramics and more, is the twist. From spun yarn to twisted torcs, from lime bast cord to cord decorated pottery, the study of all these artefacts tells us stories about physical dexterity, created strength, tactile qualities and visual effects. In this session we invite speakers to share the stories of their twisted artefacts. These may be stories of the processes of studying and interpreting the artefact, design, form and composition. Or stories of the past told through twisted artefacts. Perhaps stories where the study has revealed an unexpected twist. Or stories in the sense of oral storytelling, poems, narrative artworks and stories created from the study of artefacts that contain a twist. Biographical, autobiographical, non-fiction and consciously fictional are all invited. We welcome papers that focus on the presentation of stories as well as papers that focus on the content of the story. Through these stories we aim to investigate the role and value of creativity, the benefits and function of twisting different materials and the relationship between storytelling and artefact making in the past and present. Presenters and the audience might be heritage communicators, archaeological scientists, artefact specialists, makers, artists, curators, researchers, analysts and anyone who enjoys a good yarn. Artefacts might be cord bound items, spiral forms, plaited shapes or decorated with rolled wires. We encourage papers from across the globe and from all periods.

Session: #570

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