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Ornamental Shoulder Band from a Tunic

600–650
tapestry weave with supplementary weft wrapping; undyed linen and dyed wool
Overall: 60.3 x 5.7 cm (23 3/4 x 2 1/4 in.); Mounted: 67.3 x 16.5 cm (26 1/2 x 6 1/2 in.)
Dudley P. Allen Fund 1919.24
Location: 106A Migration Period & Coptic
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Description

On this tunic decoration, human figures appear to dance amid leafy plants. The first and third figures are shepherds, each wearing spotted animal–skin garments and holding wooden staffs. The second and fourth figures are dancers; the upper one wears a short draped garment (peplos), and the lower one appears nude except for a scarf draped over her shoulders. The brown-purple wool was dyed with kermes, a bluish-red dye from dried insects, and indigo in an unsuccessful attempt to imitate purple.
Ornamental Shoulder Band from a Tunic

Ornamental Shoulder Band from a Tunic

600–650

Egypt, Byzantine period

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