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Textile; curtain

Byzantine (Akhmim (?), Egypt)

Not on view


These curtains belong to a distinctive group of weavings, all characterized by their representations of dark-skinned figures. Due to their large size, curtains such as these are rarely displayed at full length. Look up. The plump, small figures with dark skin and blondish hair hold garlands with fruit, and women carry a jeweled cross with a Greek inscription. The decoration represents ideals of victory and joy. Like many weavings from late antique and Byzantine Egypt, these curtains survive due to Egypt’s dry climate and the ancient custom of wrapping the dead in recycled textiles.

Textile; curtain, Linen and wool; wool; tapestry and plain weave, including warp fringes, Byzantine (Akhmim (?), Egypt)

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Textile; curtain, Linen and wool; wool; tapestry and plain weave, including warp fringes, Byzantine (Akhmim (?), Egypt)
Textile; curtain, Linen and wool; wool; tapestry and plain weave, including warp fringes, Byzantine (Akhmim (?), Egypt)

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