On Early Thimbles: A Seventh-Century-AD Example from Punta Secca, Sicily, in Context
Ross Wilson
Summary
A copper-alloy thimble was found in 2010 at Punta Secca, Sicily, a sealed context datable by coins to the first quarter of seventh century AD. It has generally been thought that thimbles did not reach Mediterranean area until ninth AD, but least nine metal examples are fact attested various places from contexts between late sixth and early ninth. is suggested increasing use silk clothing Byzantine Empire during century, probably accompanied for time steel needles which made finger protector imperative, explains apparent introduction this time. No securely dated known sites Roman date, except one Ephesus c.AD 100. very tentatively last example might represent an import China, where (and needles) third BC onwards.
Oxford Journal of Archaeology