Fragment of a Shoulder Band
Unknown Artist
5th century
Medium
Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave
Dimensions
Max. H. 2 5/16 in. (5.8 cm) Max. W. 15 7/8 in. (40.4 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of George F. Baker, 1890
Accession Number
90.5.350
Art Historical Context
This delicate fragment of a shoulder band, dating to the 5th, offers a rare glimpse into early textile artistry from the Islamic world. Likely part of a garment such as a tunic, it would have adorned the shoulder, signifying status or cultural identity in daily life or ceremonies. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Islamic Department, this piece—measuring just 2 5/16 inches high and 15 7/8 inches wide—was generously gifted by George F. Baker in 1890, preserving a fragile artifact from antiquity. Crafted from wool and linen using plain weave for the sturdy ground fabric and tapestry we...