Fragment of a Shoulder Band

Art Historical Context

This delicate fragment of a shoulder band, dating to the 4th–5th century, offers a rare glimpse into the textile artistry of Late Antiquity. Likely part of a garment's decorative trim, it hails from a period of cultural flourishing in the Near East or Egypt, where such bands adorned tunics and cloaks. Preserved in the Metropolitan Museum Art's Department of Islamic Art, it the sophisticated weaving traditions that bridged pre-Islamic and early Islamic worlds, showcasing everyday luxury through vibrant materials. Crafted from wool and linen using plain weave for the foundation and tapestry wea...