Fragment of a Band
Unknown Artist
6th–7th century
Medium
Wool
Dimensions
Max. H. 5 11/16 in. (14.5 cm) Max. W. 2 11/16 in. (6.8 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of George F. Baker, 1890
Accession Number
90.5.861
Art Historical Context
This delicate *Fragment of a Band*, from wool in the 6th–7th century, offers a tantalizing glimpse into the textile artistry of the early Islamic world. Measuring just 5 11/16 by 2 11/16 inches (14.5 by 6.8 cm), this strip likely served as a decorative border or trim for garments, furnishings, or ceremonial objects. Its survival as a small fragment underscores the fragility of ancient textiles, which rarely endure due to climate, use, and time. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Department of Islamic Art and gifted by George F. Baker in 1890, the piece reflects the sophisticated weavi...