Coptic
Fragment of Decorative Band with Hare
Coptic, 5th-6th century
Physical Qualities
Wool, 3-1/2 x 2-5/8 in.
Credit Line
The Cone Collection, formed by Dr. Claribel Cone and Miss Etta Cone of Baltimore, Maryland
Object Number
1950.2016.4
The hare is a recurring animal motif in Coptic textiles, with a long history of use in both Egyptian decorative arts and tombs. The god Osiris was sometimes depicted with the head of a hare in his role as Un-nefer. As a standard hieroglyphic phonetic sign, the hare represented the essence of life. The cape hare or desert hare, known to inhabit Egypt since ancient times, was renowned for swiftness and keen senses—attributes seen metaphorically as defenses against the forces of darkness.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by gift, 1950; Etta Cone.
Anita Jones, The Baltimore Museum of Art, "Timeless Weft: Ancient Tapestries and the Art of Louise B. Wheatley", February 1–July 30, 2017.
