Two fragments of clavi from a linen tunic (?)

Inventory number: FT 168
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont

Fine linen bands decorated with multi-coloured flowers and crenelated motifs in lozenges and half-lozenges formed by loops. So-called self-stripes edge the decoration.

Origin:

Egypt

Date:

5th - 7th century

Material:

Linen and wool

Dimensions:

1) warp: 18 cm, weft: 40 cm;
2) warp: 8 cm, weft: 33 cm; tuck: 2cm

Comparisons:

Cf. FT 167, FT 170.
Musée des Tissus, Lyon inv. 34091.4.
Martin van Wagner Museum, inv. H 2215.

Provenance:

Collection Coptic textiles Fill-Trevisiol: donation

Location:

Musée royal de Mariemont

Tapestry motifs inwoven in linen cloth

I. Ground weave

Warp:

natural-coloured linen S: 25/cm

Weft:

natural-coloured linen S: 16/cm

Weave:

warp-faced tabby

Other features:

self-bands to mark the clavi, 2 self-bands become weft; 4-5 countered twining with 2 cords (probably to strengthen the neck opening corners)

II. Tapestry areas

Warp:

natural-coloured linen S

Weft:

red, green, blue and yellow wool Z: 92/cm; natural-coloured linen S: details

Weave:

extended tabby 2/2

Ribs per cm:

12

Special techniques:

slit tapestry, eccentric weft

Dyes analysed:

weft thread: red Z wool: kermes

Share