2002.318.12: Fragment with Crux Ansata and Inscription
Textile Arts
This object does not yet have a description.
Identification and Creation
- Object Number
- 2002.318.12
- Title
- Fragment with Crux Ansata and Inscription
- Classification
- Textile Arts
- Work Type
- textile
- Date
- 5th-6th century
- Places
- Creation Place: Africa, Egypt
- Period
- Byzantine period, Early
- Culture
- Byzantine
- Persistent Link
- https://hvrd.art/o/315207
Physical Descriptions
- Medium
- Linen and wool, tapestry woven
- Technique
- Woven, mixed technique
- Inscriptions and Marks
-
- inscription: ΕϹΘ...
Acquisition and Rights
- Credit Line
- Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Carroll F. Wales
- Accession Year
- 2002
- Object Number
- 2002.318.12
- Division
- Asian and Mediterranean Art
- Contact
- am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
- Permissions
-
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Descriptions
- Description
- Crux ansata/ankh and partial Greek inscription tapestry woven in colored wool. Letters present are eta, lunate sigma, theta, (omicron?)... This is mostly likely a votive inscription requesting protection for particular individual(s). The crux ansata is a symbol adopted early by Christians in Egypt, primarily because of the ancient Egyptian ankh’s meaning ‘life.’ This crux ansata is white with an indigo border and has flared ends; its loop is filled in with yellow around an indigo dot. The symbol is surrounded by red dots. The letters are alternately red and indigo, with white centers. Areas of interlock tapestry in the letters keep the slits around them closed. The white fill in the letters is created by supplementary weft wrapping (flying shuttle), as is the white and yellow within the crux ansata. A buff tabby background surrounds the inscription. Strongly eccentric wefts are visible around the letters.
- Commentary
- Crux ansatae can also be found on Harvard’s 1975.41.28. For their use in Egypt, see Gillian E. Bowen's “The Crux Ansata in Early Christian Iconography: The Evidence from Dakhleh and Kharga Oases.” In Le myrte et la rose: Mélanges offerts à Françoise Dunand par ses élèves, collègues et amis, 291-. Edited by Gaëlle Tallet et Christiane Zivie-Coche. Montpellier: Université de Paul Valéry, 2014.
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