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| Photo By University Innsbruck Archeological Institute
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I'm sure recently you heard about the discovery of the medieval bra and underwear found in the Austrian castle. If you haven't heard... well then I'm telling you now. Archaeologists from the University of Innsbruck found (in 2008--only now hitting headlines) what appears to be several linen bras and a pair of underwear while excavating at Lemburg Castle in Tyrol. They were stuffed inside a vault in the south wing, along with old shoes, a codpiece and some shirts--one can only imagine what would possess someone to shove these items into a vault... The mind does come up with several fun ideas!
Perhaps two young lovers were in the act when a sound alerted them to someone's approach. Not having enough time to dress they shoved their garments into the vault and ran naked--but their were several bras, perhaps it was a situation even more scandalous!
Or a maid had stolen the items, hoping not to get caught, she hid them to pick them up later but never got the chance...
Why do you think they were stored there?
All right, back to whether or not they are bra and panties...
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| Photo By University Innsbruck Archeological Institute
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Now, the thing is... We don't really know if these are bras and underwear. There is no doubt, since they did a carbon dating, that the garments are from some 600 years ago. The underwear resembles a string bikini -- not unlike what was worn by some men. And the "bra" itself, designed of linen, lace and other adornments. There looks to be a spot where a backstrap could have been--torn edges make it seems so. But if you look around the front at the bottom of the piece, it is also torn--looks as though it has come off of a corset or kirtle--which was a long tightly fitted smock that was worn under gowns, sometimes tied tight to give support.
What do you think?
