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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1931.44
Title
Clavi (tunic bands): Leaves and Palmettes
Classification
Textile Arts
Work Type
textile
Date
6th century
Places
Creation Place: Africa, Egypt
Period
Byzantine period, Early
Culture
Egyptian
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/215295

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Wool and linen, tapestry weave
Dimensions
22.2 x 5.1 cm (8 3/4 x 2 in.)
47.6 x 5.1 cm (18 3/4 x 2 in.)
41 x 5.1 cm (16 1/8 x 2 in.)

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Charles Bain Hoyt
Accession Year
1931
Object Number
1931.44
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
These three bands with identical patterns and proportions were likely cut from the same garment, though the fourth band is missing. Remnants of undyed linen visible along their outer edges reveal they were once part of a tunic with a plain linen ground. Their faded red borders feature a tendril design, while the central strip presents dark green palmettes. The alternating leaves and palmettes that make up the main decoration on these bands contain within themselves smaller leaves and buds woven in several colors. The pendant of one band remains intact and contains a palmette. The flying shuttle technique, in which an extra weft is carried on a supplementary shuttle, outlines some of the small leaves in a light colored thread and creates serrations on the edges of the dark green palmettes.

Exhibition History

  • 32Q: 3740 Egyptian, Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge, 06/01/2017 - 11/28/2017

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