Orkney Hood
The Orkney Hood is a rare archaeological textile discovered in 1867 in a peat bog in Orkney, Scotland.
It is the only complete item of clothing in Scotland that predates the medieval period. The hood is estimated to be over 1,500 years old, dating to somewhere between 250-615 AD.
It is made of sheep's wool and features a tablet-woven trim and fringe.
The garment was preserved after being lost or deliberately deposited in a peat bog. The lack of oxygen in the bog prevented normal decay, allowing the wool fabric to survive remarkably well for centuries.
The hood is made of sheep’s wool, decorated with fringes and tablet-woven bands, reflecting early textile skills in Scotland.
Today, it provides invaluable insight into ancient clothing, craftsmanship, and daily life in the region long before written records.
