Between flax and fabric: Cultivation and processing of flax in a mediaeval peat reclamation settlement near midwoud (Prov. Noord Holland)

Abstract Macroscopic remains and pollen of flax ( Linum usitatissimum ) and flax dodder ( Cuscuta epilinum ) along with seeds of Spergula arvensis var. maxima were found in botanical samples from a 12th century peat reclamation settlement. The composition of the crop remains was such as to justify the interpretation of the samples as the debris from at least two separate stages in the processing of flax, namely beating/rippling and braking or swingling. The possible origin of the flax is discussed on the basis of the weed flora.