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Fragment of a Wall Hanging with a Musician Playing the Oud

8th–10th century

Not on view

During both the Byzantine and the Islamic periods, female images signified abundance, fertility, intellectual pursuits, deities, and cities. Women also appear as court entertainers such as dancers, musicians, and courtesans.
A female musician plays a lute (‘oud in Arabic). Her long eyebrows, big eyes, and line at the end of her nose became popular on later "Fatimid dolls." She represents the Islamic continuation of a tradition of female performers long popular in the Byzantine world.

Fragment of a Wall Hanging with a Musician Playing the Oud, Tapestry weave in polychrome wool and undyed linen — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Fragment of a Wall Hanging with a Musician Playing the Oud

Date: 8th–10th century

Geography: Made in Egypt

Medium: Tapestry weave in polychrome wool and undyed linen

Dimensions: 12 5/8 x 12 in. (32 x 30.5 cm)

Classification: Textiles

Credit Line: Benaki Museum, Athens (8496)

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Medieval Art and The Cloisters at The Met

The Museum's collection of medieval and Byzantine art is among the most comprehensive in the world, encompassing the art of the Mediterranean and Europe from the fall of Rome to the beginning of the Renaissance.