Orbiculus with dancers

Inventory number: FT 33
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont

In the central medallion, two characters in multicoloured coats are dancing. Around them, framed in an eight-pointed geometric form are nude figures carrying coats/capes on their shoulders (or shields?), dancers and green, stylised winged creatures.

Origin:

Egypt

Date:

6th - 8th century

Material:

Wool

Dimensions:

Warp: 17.5 cm, weft: 17 cm

Provenance:

Collection Coptic textiles Fill-Trevisiol: donation

Location:

Musée royal de Mariemont

Woollen cloth and tapestry

I. Ground weave

In modern times the original ground weave was completed with other wool fragments

Warp:

yellow wool S: 12-13/cm

Weft:

yellow wool S: 38/cm

Weave:

weft-faced tabby

II. Tapestry areas

Warp:

yellow wool S

Weft:

blue, green, yellow, orange, pink and red wool S: 55/cm

Weave:

weft-faced tabby

Special techniques:

slit tapestry, eccentric weft, soumak-wrapping for circles, vertical weft brocading, flying thread brocading

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