Christophe Moulherat is a leading figure in archaeological textile studies, known for his scientific rigor, innovative methodologies, and commitment to education and heritage preservation. His work bridges archaeology, materials science, and cultural history, making significant contributions to both academic research and public understanding of material culture

Christophe Moulherat is a French archaeologist and researcher, internationally recognized for his expertise in archaeological textiles and the study of material culture in heritage contexts. His career is distinguished by a multidisciplinary approach, combining field archaeology, laboratory analysis, and innovative technologies to advance the understanding and preservation of ancient textiles and related artifacts.

Education

• PhD in Prehistory, Ethnology, and Anthropology (2001), University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne. Dissertation on the archaeology of textiles and the study of textile fibers for understanding ancient societies, in collaboration with the Centre for Research and Restoration of the Museums of France (C2RMF).

• Master's degree in Archaeology in Europe (1990), École du Louvre1.

Professional Positions

• Head of Analysis of Collections, Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac (2009–2021)

• Professor of Art and Archaeology, École du Louvre (1992–2021)

• Student Leadership for Master 1 and 2, Sorbonne University Paris (2013–present)

• Head of the Department of Archaeology and History of Art, Associate Professor, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (2021–present)1

Research and Expertise

• Scientific Skills: Archaeological fieldwork and laboratory analysis; advanced analytical techniques including FTIR, SEM-EDX, XRD, and 3D imaging technology.

• Languages: French (native), Spanish (fluent), English (fluent)1.

• Seminar Coordinator: Anthropology of Textiles (Musée du quai Branly/Sorbonne University); New Technologies for Cultural Heritage (Sorbonne University/Musée du quai Branly)1.

• Project Leadership: Head of the Center for the Study and Research of Ancient Textiles (CERTA, 2004–2007); Deputy Director of the French Archaeological Mission in Mongolia (2000–2002)1.

• European Projects: Key participant in the DRESS ID project (textiles and identities in the Roman Empire) and the INTERREG project (European Archaeological Mission in the Mongolian Altai), focusing on the Pazyryk culture, medieval and classical Mongolia1.

Academic and Scientific Impact

• Mentorship: Supervised or co-supervised 22 graduate students (13 master's, 8 doctoral) on topics ranging from textile analysis to the study of funerary practices and material culture in various ancient societies1.

• Publications: Authored and co-authored numerous articles in leading international journals (e.g., PLoS ONE, Journal of Archaeological Science, Forensic Imaging) on topics such as the analysis of mineralized textiles, 3D imaging, and the scientific study of ancient fibers and artifacts1.

• Conference Activity: Presented at 44 international and 29 national conferences, covering both technological innovations and archaeological textile research1.

• Exhibitions and Outreach: Curated the exhibition ""Anatomie des chefs-d'œuvre"" at the Musée du quai Branly (2015); frequent contributor to public science communication through media, radio, and television1.

Fieldwork and International Missions

• Led and participated in archaeological excavations and missions in France, Mongolia, Greece, Egypt, Pakistan, Peru, and other countries, with a focus on funerary contexts, textile preservation, and cross-cultural exchanges in antiquity1.

• Conducted expert missions and training workshops on textile conservation and scientific analysis in Peru, Mexico, Belgium, Mongolia, Niger, and France1.

Professional Affiliations

• Member of AOROC (CNRS-ENS), ICOM (International Council of Museums), Hellenic Centre for Research and Conservation on Archaeological Textiles (ARTEX, Athens), and the Steering Committee of OPUS (Observatoire du Patrimoine de Sorbonne Université)1