Band with Cross and Short-legged Aquatic Birds
This finely worked band includes a cross among its varied pattern. While Egyptian textiles with religiously significant motifs are relatively rare, crosses may have been meant to associate the owners with their Christian faith. On this band a tall cross is decorated as if covered with jewels in a technique called the flying shuttle. The plump aquatic birds and curling wave patterns may refer to the Nile, the source of all abundance in Egypt. The red and white braid to the far right identifies the band as part of the decoration extending from the neck of a tunic.
Artwork Details
- Title: Band with Cross and Short-legged Aquatic Birds
- Date: 5th–7th century
- Geography: Made in Egypt
- Medium: Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave, applied braid
- Dimensions: Max. H. 12 in. (30.5 cm)
Max. W. 4 7/16 in. (11.2 cm) - Classification: Textiles
- Credit Line: Purchase by subscription, 1889
- Object Number: 89.18.308
- Curatorial Department: Islamic Art
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5th century
7th–8th century
ca. 1500
7th century
946–74
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