Fragment of a Tunic
Unknown Artist
6th century
Medium
Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave
Dimensions
Max. H.15 3/8 in. (39 cm) Max. W. 7 5/16 in.(18.5 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of George F. Baker, 1890
Accession Number
90.5.290
Art Historical Context
This delicate fragment of a tunic, dating to the 6th century, offers a rare glimpse into everyday life in the ancient Near East or Egypt during the late antique period. Crafted from wool and linen using weave for the sturdy ground fabric and tapestry weave for decorative bands, it exemplifies the sophisticated textile traditions of the era. At just 15⅜ inches high and 7¼ inches wide, this surviving piece—likely from a garment worn by ordinary people—highlights the perishability of ancient clothing and the skill of anonymous weavers. Tapestry weave, where colored wefts create vivid motifs with...