Tunic

5th–7th century

Not on view

Tunics, worn by all levels of society, were the standard form of dress in Egypt and throughout the Mediterranean world in the Byzantine period. The neck opening of this tunic fragment is exquisitely decorated with finely detailed motifs embroidered into the whole. Extending front to back are clavi (bands) of double-headed axe heads alternating with floral motifs – pinecones extend onto the shoulders. The tunic is said to have come from Panopolis, a center of textile production in Egypt named for the classical god Pan, a member of the wine god Dionysos’ s retinue. The motifs may have been auspicious or related to the cult of Dionysos. The pinecones, representing prosperity and fertility, topped the god’s thyrsus, or staff. The double-headed axe was a symbol of Herakles, another associate of the god.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Tunic
Date: 5th–7th century
Geography: Said to be from Egypt, Akhmim (former Panopolis)
Medium: Linen, wool
Dimensions: Textile: H. 53 1/8 in. (135 cm)
Mount: H. 67 1/8 in. (170.5 cm)
W. 56 in. (142.2 cm)
D. 4 5/8 in. (11.7 cm)
Classification: Textiles
Credit Line: Gift of Edward S. Harkness, 1926
Object Number: 26.9.7
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

More Artwork

In the same medium

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Tunic with Dionysian Ornament, Undyed linen with tapestry woven wool decorations — Tunic with Dionysian Ornament
probably 5th century

Tunic, Linen, wool — Tunic
probably 5th century

Tunic with Dionysian Ornament, Linen, wool; plain weave, tapestry weave — Tunic with Dionysian Ornament
probably 5th century

Tunic, Linen, wool, and silk — Tunic
6th–7th century

Child's Tunic, Linen, silk; plain weave — Child's Tunic
5th–6th century

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