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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1931.35.6
Title
Band with Humans and Animals in Medallions
Classification
Textile Arts
Work Type
textile
Date
4th-5th century CE
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Africa
Period
Byzantine period
Culture
Byzantine
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/214658

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Purple and buff wool on undyed linen, tapestry woven
Technique
Woven, tapestry weave
Dimensions
22 x 13.5 cm (8 11/16 x 5 5/16 in.)

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Charles Bain Hoyt
Accession Year
1931
Object Number
1931.35.6
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
An inwoven tapestry band decorated with purple vine circles containing animals and humans. A design of inverted scallops topped with leaves forms a border that runs on both sides of the band. Within the arch formed by each scallop is a shape that resembles a suspended fruit/flower basket. A third border of another band survives, though the band it originally outlined does not. The surviving border indicates that the bands on this textile were placed quite close together. Within the main band, a scrolling vine forms inhabited loops and medallions. A central medallion contains a pair of dancers, one much taller than the other and wearing a long tunic and scarves. Pairs of small circles contain rabbits, birds, and putti; tendrils and grape leaves extend from these circles.

Supplementary undyed wefts (‘flying shuttle’) create fine details. Darning closes the slits the two sides of the central medallion with dancers. Although most of the tapestry is slit tapestry, some instances of interlock are used to secure other slits. Strongly eccentric wefts create the curves of the design. An area of weft-faced weave runs between the tapestry bands.

Verification Level

This record was created from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator; it may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu