Fragment with Jeweled Cross Flanked by Birds
5th century
Description
This fragmented textile has a jeweled cross at its center, flanked by two multicolored birds with head crests (peahens?). A gold border with jewels and pearls runs near the top of the fragment. Red dots and small green leaves are sprinkled over the field of plain linen. The imagery is tapestry woven with colored wool wefts onto the same linen warps that form the field of plain weave. This textile was likely a hanging or furnishing in a religious building or Christian home. The arrangement of the fragments is uncertain.
Dimensions
24.1 x 47 cm (9 1/2 x 18 1/2 in.)
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