Table 1 Comparison of instruments and approaches used in studies of ancient cloth based on the following review papers^26,27,28 as well as specific references for textiles^35,108 and skin^29,31,109

Specificity of target

Focuses on one or a few proteins

All proteins in a sample

From short, specifically targeted sequences to the whole genome

Can get sequence data

No

Yes

Yes

Feasibility for skin

Generally good

Generally good

Depends on preservation+treatment

Feasibility for textiles

Generally good

Generally good

Depends on preservation+treatment

Feasibility for species ID

Good

Very good

Very good

Feasibility for breed ID

Not yet successful

Not yet successful

Shown in several species (modern samples)¹¹⁰

Cost per sample

Lower

Higher

Higher

Analysis time per sample

Shorter

Longer

Longer