Textile ArtsByzantine4th-5th century CE

Band with Humans and Animals in Medallions

4th-5th century CE

Description

An inwoven tapestry band decorated with purple vine circles containing animals and humans. A design of inverted scallops topped with leaves forms a border that runs on both sides of the band. Within the arch formed by each scallop is a shape that resembles a suspended fruit/flower basket. A third border of another band survives, though the band it originally outlined does not. The surviving border indicates that the bands on this textile were placed quite close together. Within the main band, a scrolling vine forms inhabited loops and medallions. A central medallion contains a pair of dancers, one much taller than the other and wearing a long tunic and scarves. Pairs of small circles contain rabbits, birds, and putti; tendrils and grape leaves extend from these circles. Supplementary undyed wefts (‘flying shuttle’) create fine details. Darning closes the slits the two sides of the central medallion with dancers. Although most of the tapestry is slit tapestry, some instances of interlock are used to secure other slits. Strongly eccentric wefts create the curves of the design. An area of weft-faced weave runs between the tapestry bands.

Classification

Textile Arts

Technique

Woven, tapestry weave

Medium

Purple and buff wool on undyed linen, tapestry woven

Culture

Byzantine

Period

Byzantine period

Century

4th-5th century CE

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Department

Department of Ancient and Byzantine Art & Numismatics

Dimensions

22 x 13.5 cm (8 11/16 x 5 5/16 in.)

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