Israeli archaeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery in the Judean Desert, unearthing a fragment of ancient fabric dyed with kermes, a purple pigment derived from insects described in the Bible.
Tiny Piece of Cloth
The find, reported by The Jerusalem Post, reveals a tiny piece of cloth measuring less than two centimeters on each side, providing a rare glimpse into ancient dyeing techniques.
The dye, identified through high-performance liquid chromatography, was made from oak cochineal—a type of insect that lives on evergreen oaks in the Mediterranean region. This discovery offers new insights into the historical use of kermes, a dye mentioned in the Old Testament.
Clothing for Priests
The fabric dyed with kermes was historically used in the clothing of priests and in the curtains of the legendary Jerusalem Temple. Additionally, it was required for the ritual sacrifice of red heifers, as detailed in biblical texts.
The Hebrew term for this dye translates to "purple worm," reflecting its origin, and the color is referred to as "crimson" in the Synodal Bible translation. The biblical book of Exodus details the elaborate garments to be made for priests, specifying the use of gold, blue, purple, and crimson wool, along with fine linen.
This ancient fabric is estimated to be around 3,800 years old, marking the earliest known evidence of kermes dye in use. Previously, it was believed that the widespread use of this dye occurred much later.
