Papyrus Fragment of a List

Art Historical Context

This delicate papyrus fragment, dating to the 7th century, offers a rare glimpse into the daily life of Coptic Egypt during the early medieval period. Titled *Papyrus Fragment of a*, it hails from a Christian community in what is now Egypt, where Coptic culture blended ancient Egyptian traditions with Byzantine influences. At just 2 7/8 x 2 1/16 inches, this tiny survivor—acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art through the Fund in 1914—likely records names, goods, or administrative details, reflecting the bureaucratic and communal practices of the time. Crafted on papyrus with ink, the med...