Fragment of a Shoulder Band
Unknown Artist
5th century
Medium
Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave
Dimensions
Max. H. 5 3/16 in. (13.2 cm) Max. W. 1 5/16 in. (3.4 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of George F. Baker, 1890
Accession Number
90.5.329
Art Historical Context
This delicate *Fragment of a Shoulder Band dating to the 5th, offers a tantalizing glimpse into ancient textile artistry from the world that would later shape Islamic culture. Crafted from wool and linen using plain weave for the foundation and tapestry weave for decoration, this tiny piece—measuring just 5 3/16 inches high and 1 5/16 inches wide—was likely part of a garment's ornamental band, adorning the shoulder of a tunic or robe. Such fragments are rare survivors, preserved through the arid climates of regions like Egypt or the Near East, and now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's...