Plants and plant fibers—the foundations of "lake dwelling fashion"

**Monday, July 27 through Sunday, August 2, 2026** Anyone who thinks that Neolithic fashion from nearly 6,000 years ago consisted mainly of animal skins or leather garments is sorely mistaken: In fact, the majority of the garments available in Europe and the Near East were 100% vegan! For example, people used long, sturdy blades of grass to weave rain jackets, or flax, which they spun into thread by hand using spindles made of clay, and then wove into skirts, hats, and shirts. But far more unusual plant parts and fibers, such as nettles and bark, were also used in Stone Age textile production. Archaeologist and renowned Stone Age fashionista Dorothee Olthof explains why this was the case, what fascinating garments modern science has so far identified in the pile dwellings, and how these can still be made today. Tip: You can learn the ancient art of weaving at Ms. Olthof’s booth.