The method was specifically developed to identify the dyes in dyed woolen fabric recovered from a cave in the Dead Sea area that was occupied by the forces of Bar Kochba in the Jewish revolt against Rome in 135 AD. After washing with neutral soap, each sample is extracted in a Soxhlet apparatus with CCl₄, C₂H₅OH, and dist. H₂O and dried. After microscopic examination to determine if it is dyed with one color only, the fibers are separated into individual color groups for subsequent analysis. Directions are given for extraction of carminic acid, related color acids, safflower yellow, alizarin, dyes other than safflower, indigo, and brominated indigo; also for determination of metallic salts (mordants). The identification of the dye is made by infrared spectrometry. The infrared spectrograms of 13 extracts and dye standards are given; synthetic alizarin, alizarin extract, synthetic indigo, indigo extract I and indigo extract II, 6,6' dibromindigo, carminic acid standard, carminic acid extract, saffron extract, saffron standard, weld standard, Persian berries standard, safflower yellow standard. -- AATA