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Tunic with Dionysian Ornament

probably 5th century
Not on view
A longer, wider version of the tunic was the ubiquitous garment of the Late Antique period. This tunic is one of four in the Museum's collection said to be from Akhmim, an ancient weaving center and apparently a center of both pagan and Christian thought and religion. The burgeoning ornament of this tunic expresses Dionysian themes, culminating with an image of the god himself on the shoulder squares.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Tunic with Dionysian Ornament
  • Date: probably 5th century
  • Geography: Said to be from Egypt, Akhmim (former Panopolis)
  • Medium: Linen, wool; plain weave, tapestry weave
  • Dimensions: Tunic: L. 72 1/16 in. (183 cm)
    W. 53 1/8 in. (135 cm)
  • Classification: Textiles
  • Credit Line: Gift of Edward S. Harkness, 1926
  • Object Number: 26.9.8
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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