Fragment of a tabula with an allegorical bust of Mother Earth

Inventory number: FT 72
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont

The female bust in the centre shows a richly-jewelled woman with dark hair, wearing a diadem, drop pearl earrings, a necklace and a gold fibula and bracelet. The outer border is of stylised red and black interlace, studded with small orange and green crosses. The axes of the border are decorated with multi-petalled white and red flowers with green stems, whilst flying creatures (cockerels? Cf. FT 153) decorate the corners.

Origin:

Egypt

Date:

5th - 8th century

Material:

Linen and wool

Dimensions:

Warp: 19 cm, weft: 27.5 cm

Comparisons:

Cf. FT 153.
Benaki Museum, inv. 8493: head (Panopean Nereid).
Louvre, inv. X4157: bust of a richly adorned woman.
Coll. Choron (cat. The rich Life and the Dance, UIP 2015), inv. C15: idem.

Provenance:

Collection Coptic textiles Fill-Trevisiol: donation

Location:

Musée royal de Mariemont

Linen and woollen tapestry

I. Ground weave

(small fragment on one side of the tabula)

Warp:

natural-coloured linen S: +/- 24/cm

Weft:

natural-coloured linen S: 10/cm

Weave:

warp-faced tabby

Sewing yarn:

2S linen

II. Tapestry areas

Warp:

linen S

Weft:

purple, orange, green, blue and red wool S: 40-52/cm; natural-coloured linen S: +/- 40/cm

Weave:

extended tabby 2/2

Ribs per cm:

8

Special techniques:

slit tapestry, eccentric weft, vertical weft brocading

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