Jerkin (reconstruction, detail)

This a detail of a jerkin (short jacket) made out of deer hide. Early people made clothes out of deer hide because it was warm, strong and waterproof - many of the same reasons leather jackets are worn today.

The pieces of the jerkin were cut from the deer hide and stitched using bone needles and thread made from deer sinew. The jerkin has been decorated with bone beads and shells.

Modern attempts to duplicate the skills and objects of early people have led to increased understanding - and respect - for their methods. Such reconstructions also help archaeologists interpret the discovered remains. No jerkins survive, but early people had the raw materials and technology to make garments such as this one.

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