Artifact Study of an Olympiakos Soccer Jersey

Artifact Study of an Olympiakos Soccer Jersey Introduction The artifact of appearance I have chosen is a soccer jersey representing Olympiakos, a team in the top Greek league. I acquired this article of clothing during the summer of 1995. Many factors have contributed to my interest in Greek soccer jerseys. These include my Greek heritage, my family’s fanaticism with soccer, and the growing popularity of sports jerseys in the, for severe lack of a better term, alternative subculture. In this paper, I will perform an artifact study on this jersey. For another example of an artifact study, see my first project. The steps of an artifact study are Identification, Evaluation, Cultural Analysis,and Interpretation. Identification History This jersey was manufactured in Greece most likely by a textile or clothing company that has a merchandising agreement with the Olympiakos organization. In early June of 1995 my uncle Petro bought the jersey, along with other sports items, and mailed them to my home. He intended for my brother and I to split the contents of the package; however, I quickly claimed all the items as my own after my brother expressed no interest in the jerseys. Since that day I have had the jersey in my possession. Material The jersey is constructed from a mix of several obviously artificial fabrics. Unlike football or lacrosse jerseys, it does not have a very open weave. The insignia, number, and sponsor logo are made from felt and attached to the jersey. Construction The workmanship of the jersey seems to be average. There are no major flaws in the design or material. The only apparent imperfection is a small thread unraveling on the sleeve. From the material and workmanship, it is safe to assume that the jersey was mass-produced. Design The jersey closely resembles the red and white one in the picture above left. The stripes though are thinner and the jersey has long sleeves. Also, the neck is cut in a low ‘V’. Like the jersey in the picture, the team insignia, shown in the background of this document and in the above right image, is located over the left breast and the sponsor logo, in both cases Mastercard, is on the front center of the jersey. The jersey pictured has the logo and insignia in color, while my jersey is detailed completely in black. The number 10 is on the back in black felt. Function This Olympiakos jersey is primarily designed to be casually worn.