Why do ancient carpets hold paint for a very long time?

Very often, the younger generation hears from older people that in the past the products were of better quality, the equipment was more reliable, and milk tasted better when compared with modern analogues. This is partly true: today we get far from what our mothers, fathers, grandparents once received.

True, in some cases one could argue with such claims, since they are of a philistine nature. Whatever one may say, from the point of view of all inspections and testing, the same ice cream or sour cream meets all standards and sanitary requirements. However, there are things that once again confirm the fact that in ancient times some household and household items were really better. Take, for example, the ancient Altai carpet, which was found in the late 40s and surprisingly retained its color. But at that time, according to archaeologists, he was about 2,500 years old.

What a wonderful find

An amazing carpet was discovered in a frozen mound. And what’s most interesting is in the grave. However, this influenced its safety. Thanks to the low temperature, the pile was protected from insects that could significantly damage the material, and the enclosed space prevented the scorching rays of the sun from burning the color of the product.

Experts have determined the “age” of the carpet - it was made around the 11th century BC. Archaeologists also doubt that it was used in a domestic setting.Most likely, it was a delightful luxury item, because only representatives of the tribal nobility could afford such wealth.

All these circumstances do not change the fact that the carpet surprisingly retained its color - the paint turned out to be very resistant. It feels as if these 2500 years never happened - the rich color, the precision of the drawings, the amazing ornament, the beauty of symmetry - all this has been preserved as if nothing had happened.

How did this happen?

According to scientists, such carpets were produced in a very unique way. Before dyeing the canvas, ancient people dipped the wool in a special leaven, which was prepared from wheat bran. This is where the secret lies: the fungus Geotrichum candidum made the material more delicate and vulnerable to staining, which allowed the paint to penetrate into the deepest layers, into absolutely all the fibers.

However, there is a small nuance in this story: if the person who made the carpet did not have a strong immune system, then from contact with this fungus he could not only get sick, but even die. From this it follows that such a unique property of the carpet could cost someone’s life (and it’s good, if only one).