The Edelstein Center for the Analysis of Ancient Artifacts is a unique research center that focuses on the examination of ancient textile artifacts found in archeological digs around the world, concentrating on the source of the colors, pigments and fibers used.

Researching the chemical data allows us to derive information about the source of the textiles and colors, contributes to our knowledge on the lives of people in ancient times, answers a variety of historical and cultural questions and promotes greater understanding of the textiles that people wore in various eras, and the relationships and trade routes they had with their neighbors.

The institute was founded in 1991 by Dr. Sydney Edelstein, a chemical engineer specializing in textiles, and his wife Mildred Edelstein - both active members on Shenkar’s international board of governors.

The institute is currently run by Prof. Zvi Koren - an international expert in historic colorants and former head of Shenkar's Department of Chemical Engineering. The studies promoted by him at the institute are carried out in collaboration with the archeological departments of universities and museums in Israel and abroad.