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Researchers from Aalto University transformed wood from the Hahtiperä shipwreck, found in Oulu, into textile fiber to create two dresses that combine archaeological preservation, sustainable fashion, and technology developed in Finland
Wood fragments from the Hahtiperä shipwreck, a 17th-century vessel found in Oulu, Finland, were transformed into two dresses by researchers from Aalto University. The project used textile technology to repurpose archaeological remains without a defined destination and to showcase new forms of preservation, design, and sustainability.
Wood from the Hahtiperä shipwreck turned into textile fiber
The historic vessel was located during excavations carried out in 2019. The Hahtiperä shipwreck is considered the oldest ever found in the city of Oulu, in western Finland, and represents a remnant of regional maritime activity over 300 years ago.
After years of analysis and preservation, much of the material removed from the site was studied and cataloged.
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However, some wood fragments still did not have a defined destination within the archaeological process.
The idea to repurpose the material arose from a question raised by maritime archaeologist Minna Koivikko, from the Finnish Heritage Agency, about the possibility of the fragments still having some utility.
Ioncell technology allowed wood to be transformed into fabric
To convert the remains of the vessel into textile material, Aalto University used the Ioncell technology, developed by the institution itself. The method transforms cellulose-rich materials, such as wood, into high-quality fibers.
Even after being buried for centuries, part of the wood retained enough properties to be repurposed. The core of the material gave rise to a naturally brownish thread, which maintained its original color during production.
The result showed that Ioncell technology can produce fibers from cellulose-based materials.
In the case of the Hahtiperä shipwreck, the process also gave a new function to a rare archaeological material.
Two dresses were created for preservation and exhibition
The design of the pieces was the responsibility of Professor Anna-Mari Leppisaari. One of the dresses was made to remain on display at Aalto University. The other was produced to be part of the collection of the Oulu Art Museum.
The proposal was not just to create clothes. The project aimed to show how historical materials can be preserved differently, using science, technology, and design to transform ancient fragments into contemporary pieces.
Leppisaari stated that she was nervous about how the yarn would behave in an industrial machine. However, the material showed resilience during the process, and the final result was considered satisfactory by the professor.
Image: Disclosure/Aalto University
Project also draws attention to sustainable fashion
In addition to the archaeological value, the initiative highlights alternatives for the fashion industry. The Ioncell technology was developed to reduce reliance on highly polluting raw materials and can pave the way for new forms of textile production.
In the Finnish case, the reuse of fragments united three distinct areas: archaeology, sustainability, and fashion.
The wood from the Hahtiperä shipwreck ceased to be just a historical remnant and became part of pieces created for public exhibition.
This article was prepared based on information from Aalto University and the Finnish Heritage Agency, with data, numbers, and statements preserved as per the consulted material.
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