Band Fragment with Masks, Lotus Flowers, and Birds
Unknown Artist
400–700
Medium
Tapestry weave in polychrome wool and undyed linen
Dimensions
Overall: 8 1/2 x 1 1/4 in. (21.6 x 3.2 cm) Overall (framed): 6 3/4 x 13 x 7/8 in. (17.1 x 33 x 2.2 cm)
Classification
Textiles-Woven
Culture
Coptic
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Nanette B. Kelekian, in honor of Olga Raggio, 2002
Accession Number
2002.494.871
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Band Fragment with Masks, Lotus Flowers, Birds* is a rare survivor from Coptic Egypt, dating to 400–700 CE. Crafted as a narrow tapestry-woven band in vibrant polychrome wool against undyed linen warps, it measures just 8½ x 1¼ inches—likely a decorative strip from a garment, curtain, or liturgical textile. Housed in Metropolitan Museum of Art's Medieval Art department, it showcases the masterful weaving skills of anonymous Coptic artisans during a time when Egypt bridged late antiquity and early Christianity. Coptic textiles like this one reflect a fusion of Pharaonic, Greco-...