Fragment of a Tunic

400s–600s CE
Overall: 94 x 39.4 cm (37 x 15 1/2 in.); Mounted: 99.7 x 48.3 cm (39 1/4 x 19 in.)
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The dark blue dye is made from indigo.

Description

Tunics with decoration on the front and back were worn by both men and women. These long bands, called clavi, feature pairs of stylized haloed figures gesturing, possibly in dance, and wearing short skirts with scarves across their chests. They alternate with pairs of foxes (?) and fish. The ancient repair in the lower center of this woolen winter tunic reveals that decorated cloth was expensive, and thus often mended and reused.
Fragment of a Tunic

Fragment of a Tunic

400s–600s CE

Egypt, Byzantine period

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