Object Description
A fine example of an Ancient Coptic wool fragment. The fragment is framed by a crenelated border and displays a floral, zoomorphic and geometric decoration. Stylised figures of dancers are here displayed with ibexes, birds and other animals. A light brown background with darker brown woollen threads has been used for embroidery. This decorative strip could have easily been part of a tunic as a decoration.
Coptic textiles, whose production began in the 3rd and 4th centuries AD in Egypt, were hand woven with unbleached linen warps and dyed wool wefts. This beautiful Coptic textile managed to survive thanks to the dry and hot desert climate. During the Early Coptic period (3rd – 4th centuries AD), the primary decorative themes were taken from nature and Classical mythology. By the Middle Coptic period (5th – 7th centuries AD), depictions included abstract natural elements and Christian symbolism, such as the one displayed on this beautiful piece.