Roundel Roman period (30 B.C.– 641 A.D.), 3rd/5th century

This textile Roundel was crafted by a Coptic artisan. Notice how the circular shape immediately draws the eye, creating a sense of wholeness and enclosure. The earthy tones, a blend of browns and tans, evoke a feeling of warmth. The meticulous weaving technique gives the surface a tactile quality that suggests a rich history of use and age. The pattern of interlocking lines and geometric shapes presents an organized structure, yet there’s a looseness, an imperfect symmetry, that destabilizes any rigid interpretation. The circular border with its repeated motifs acts as a frame but also directs the viewer's gaze back into the maze-like pattern at the center. Consider how the Roundel, as an object, prompts questions about its original function. Was it purely decorative, or did it serve a symbolic purpose? The arrangement of forms challenges any straightforward reading, opening up a space for endless interpretation.