Neck and Shoulder Decoration from a Tunic
Unknown Artist
late 400s - 500s
Medium
plain weave with slit-tapestry weave and supplementary weft wrapping; dyed wool, undyed linen
Dimensions
14.3 × 35.6 cm · mounted: 22.9 × 43.2 cm
Classification
Textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of George D. Pratt
Accession Number
1926.148
About this artwork
This tunic fragment with a straight neck opening in the center and one surviving shoulder square may have symbolically protected the wearer from danger. This is suggested by interlacing knots. These delicate decorations in small deep purple discs alternate with human busts in roundels.