Threads of Time: Revealing the World’s Oldest Trousers in China’s Tarim Basin

Picture 1,000 BC Far from the world of jeans and leggings, one might imagine people dressed in tunics or togas. But a groundbreaking discovery by German archaeologists challenges this preconception. They have unearthed the world’s oldest pair of remains, dating back an astonishing 3,000 years, in the Yaghai tombs at the Tarim base of Chipa.

This discovery not only reveals early patterns of knowledge, but also reinforces the theory that Magic shepherds played a crucial role in its development. According to Science News, these shepherds probably adapted their clothing to their lifestyle, leading to the change from tunics to trousers.

The remains of two 40-year-old male shepherds were accompanied by fascinating artefacts. These included a decorated leather bridle, a fragment of a wooden horse, a battle axe, a leather arm guard, a whip, a bow and a quiver.

While earlier civilizations in Asia and Europe used simple tunics, togas, and draped garments tied with string, the exact point at which they evolved into recognizable patterns remained unclear. This discovery sheds light on the missing piece of the clothing puzzle.

The rapid deterioration of animal-derived fabrics has plagued archaeologists in their search for remains of ancient clothing. Estimates suggest that our Omad ancestors began using animal skins, hides, and plant materials such as leaves and bopes for clothing approximately 100,000 to 500,000 years ago. However, the earliest evidence of sewing techniques comes from much later, with basic bope needles used for sewing leather dating back 40,000 years.

The oldest remains of real fibers and fabrics come from a prehistoric cave in Georgia, dating back to 36,000 BC.

Dr Ulrike Beck and Dr Mayke Wager, leaders of the excavation team and members of the Archaeological Institute of Berlin, have hailed this discovery as “a groundbreaking achievement in the history of clothing manufacturing.”

This project, part of a broader initiative called “Silk Road Fashion,” has unearthed a trove of remarkable garments from 3,000 years ago in Central Asia. In addition to this find, a fur coat currently being analyzed by a joint German-Chinese team highlights the immense value of these relics.

The warm, dry climate of the Yaghai Tombs proved instrumental in preserving not only the bodies but also the notable pasts. The famous Tarim mummies, known for their well-preserved bodies and Caucasian features, were previously found in this same region.

The attire and accompanying artefacts suggest that the two members were warriors and herders. This reinforces the theory that the Omad herders, who provided protection and freedom of movement while riding the animals, were the driving force behind the patients’ reversal. This argument is supported by Dr Victor Mair, a scholar at the University of Pennsylvania, in Science News.

What really surprises the archaeological team is the surprisingly modern design of the finds. Made of wool, they are tight-fitting at the legs, loose at the crotch and even feature decorative motifs on both sides. Constructed from three separate pieces, open for each leg and open for the middle area, they incorporate unusual details such as side slits that resemble pockets and drawstrings to adjust the waist.

This discovery rewrites our understanding of attractive clothing and highlights the identity and adaptability of our Madic ancestors. The Tarim Basi, with its arid embrace, has preserved only remarkable human remains, but it has also revealed a fascinating chapter in the history of human fashion.