Textile Fragment with Fantastic Creatures
Dublin Core
Title
Textile Fragment with Fantastic Creatures
Description
This fragment of a Coptic textile was most likely discovered in one of the Christian
cemeteries of Egypt where, because of the exceptionally dry climate, many such textiles
with well-preserved color have been discovered. These textiles are mainly from tunics or
mantles that were decorated with sleeve and shoulder bands as well as panels on the
shoulders and near the hem. In the past, it was common practice after excavation to cut
out and keep only the well-preserved and decorated areas of these garments. Probably
from a shoulder band, this fragment has a wave pattern border and two fantastic
creatures that betray Hellenistic influence. These firgures with large eyes and raised
hands (though to avert the evil eye) have interlocking animal-like lower bodies. In the
Coptic period, the opposition and duality represented by this pair may reflect the
Gnostic idea of the spiritual struggle inherent in human dualistic nature.
cemeteries of Egypt where, because of the exceptionally dry climate, many such textiles
with well-preserved color have been discovered. These textiles are mainly from tunics or
mantles that were decorated with sleeve and shoulder bands as well as panels on the
shoulders and near the hem. In the past, it was common practice after excavation to cut
out and keep only the well-preserved and decorated areas of these garments. Probably
from a shoulder band, this fragment has a wave pattern border and two fantastic
creatures that betray Hellenistic influence. These firgures with large eyes and raised
hands (though to avert the evil eye) have interlocking animal-like lower bodies. In the
Coptic period, the opposition and duality represented by this pair may reflect the
Gnostic idea of the spiritual struggle inherent in human dualistic nature.
Creator
Unknown
Date
Late Antique / Byzantine, 3-5 century CE
Rights
Hallie Ford Museum of Art, Gift of Mark and Janeth Hogue Sponenburgh
Format
Linen with Indigo Dye
Coverage
4.5" X 3"
Citation
Unknown, “Textile Fragment with Fantastic Creatures,” Hallie Ford Museum of Art Exhibits, accessed December 22, 2024, https://library.willamette.edu/hfma/omeka/items/show/290.