Coptic Textile Fragment, Egypt

Textile Fragment, 5th-6th century
Coptic Period (3rd-12th centuries), Egypt
Linen and wool
10 in. x 8 in.
79.55.18 This brown, red and beige textile fragment was made during Egypt’s Coptic period, a time when Christianity was the dominant religion. Throughout the period a multitude of cultural and religious influences shaped and influenced artistic production. The textile fragment pictured here dates to c. 5th-6th century when naturalistic motifs inspired from the Middle East began to be incorporated into textile compositions. Combined with Classical and Hellenistic influences from the country’s 300 years of Greek rule and the motifs and themes from Christianity, the fusion of elements and traditions led to energetic and ornate pictorials. Thanks to the arid desert conditions, many Coptic textiles have been preserved although most are only fragmentary remains of the garments, wall hangings and household items they once were. At the center of the textile is an oddly proportioned human figure in three-quarter view, typical for this period. A fish (perhaps representing Christ) accompanies the figure and both are encircled by a band of stylized waves. Stylized waves make up the borders of the outermost band of the textile where birds and fish seen in profile repeat with a flower and leaf motif. Coptic textiles are impressive in many ways, but perhaps most incredible is their clear documentation of the overlaps and combinations of Egyptian, Persian, Greco-Roman, Islamic and Christian imagery, all of which come into delightful play in their woven threads.
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