Dressing up archaeology. Costumes as reconstructions and imparting tools for heritage learning

Abstract

These considerations are based on my experiences from more than 10 years of imparting work for museums. The double role of costumes as reconstruction on a scientific basis and as imparting tool in public relations shall be presented. Focusing on time periods up to the Early Middle Ages the costume-making process as well as the use of costumes in the service of science and within the frame of living history is handled. This article shall serve as an encouragement to deal with the effect of illustrating archaeology through costumes in public relations and to turn them into subjects of discussions, analyses and possibly also basis for actions.