Fragment of a hanging (?)

Inventory number: FT 188
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont

Above papyriform capitals on painted columns, still partially visible, are two nude standing figures, each holding an object (sistrum?) in their raised hands, a pose reminiscent of an orant. Two bands of colour – probably a mantle or a scarf – cross their torsos and fly out behind.

Origin:

Egypt

Date:

5th - 8th century

Material:

Wool

Dimensions:

Warp: 14 cm, weft: 15 cm

Comparisons:

Abegg-Stiftung, inv. 141: figures standing on detached columns (5).
Textile Museum, Washington, inv. 71.84: idem (3).

Provenance:

Collection Coptic textiles Fill-Trevisiol: donation

Location:

Musée royal de Mariemont

Woollen tapestry

I. Ground weave

Warp:

natural-coloured wool S: 8/cm

Weft:

natural-coloured wool S: 30/cm

Weave:

weft-faced tabby

II. Tapestry areas

Warp:

natural-coloured wool S: 8/cm

Weft:

blue, red, green and natural-coloured wool S: 30-36/cm

Weave:

weft-faced tabby

Special techniques:

slit tapestry, eccentric weft; tapestry is separately woven: lazy lines

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