Fragment with Roundel (Orbiculus) and Partial Clavus
901-999
Scroll
Fragment with Roundel (Orbiculus) and Partial Clavus
901-999
Physical Qualities
Wool, 10 × 4 in. (25.4 × 10.2 cm.)
Credit Line
George C. Jenkins Fund
Object Number
1972.47.2
Narrow ornamental bands called clavi and matching roundels or squares commonly adorned the clothing of wealthy Egyptians. They were generally woven in pairs simultaneously with the wider expanses of linen or wool forming the body of the tunic or shawl. Within the bands and geometric shapes, weavers could explore many decorative themes. In this example, designs of stylized animals (hare, fish, and a lion or other four-legged beast) and floral designs are discernible, although difficult to interpret. However, the beautifully articulated wave border proves that the weavers of these figures were no less skillful than those who produced more readable forms.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by purchase, 1972; George Jenkins.
Timeless Weft: Ancient Tapestries and the Art of Louise B. Wheatley
Carroll, Diane Lee. " Looms and Textiles of the Copts: First Millennium Egyptian Textiles in the Carl Austin Rietz Collection of the California Academy of Sciences." San Francisco: California Academy of Sciences, 1988, pp.141, 158.
Hoskins, Nancy Arthur. "The Coptic Tapestry Albums & the Archaeologist of Antinoé, Albert Gayet." Seattle, WA: Skein Publications, 2004, Plate 29, no. 83.7-51.
Kybalová, Ludmila. "Coptic Textiles." London:Paul Hamlyn Ltd., 1967, no. 101,102.
Maguire, Eunice Dauterman. "Weavings from Roman, Byzantine and Islamic Egypt: The Rich Life and the Dance." Champaign, IL: University of Illinois, p.86, A42.
Rutschowscaya, Marie-Hélène."Coptic Fabrics." Paris: Editions Adam Biro, 1990, p.119.
Stauffer, Annemarie, Textiles of Late Antiquity, New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art,
p. 33.
Hoskins, Nancy Arthur. "The Coptic Tapestry Albums & the Archaeologist of Antinoé, Albert Gayet." Seattle, WA: Skein Publications, 2004, Plate 29, no. 83.7-51.
Kybalová, Ludmila. "Coptic Textiles." London:Paul Hamlyn Ltd., 1967, no. 101,102.
Maguire, Eunice Dauterman. "Weavings from Roman, Byzantine and Islamic Egypt: The Rich Life and the Dance." Champaign, IL: University of Illinois, p.86, A42.
Rutschowscaya, Marie-Hélène."Coptic Fabrics." Paris: Editions Adam Biro, 1990, p.119.
Stauffer, Annemarie, Textiles of Late Antiquity, New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art,
p. 33.
