Fragment Possibly 1171 - 1250

This textile fragment was made by a Coptic artist with woven wool. Notice the fragment's weight, texture and the way it's been decorated. The design has birds enclosed in decorative medallions. The wool, likely locally sourced, was spun into thread, dyed, and then woven on a loom, demanding significant time and skill. The design suggests access to a pattern, which could be achieved through shared knowledge or a cartoon, a template for weavers. The motifs, typical of Coptic textiles, reflect a blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artistic influences. This was not merely decorative; it was a product of considerable labor and embodied the cultural milieu of its time. Textiles like these offer insight into the daily lives, beliefs, and artistic practices of the people who created them. It's a reminder that what we consider craft today was once an integral part of a vibrant, interconnected world.