Clavi (tunic bands): Leaves and Palmettes
6th century
Description
These three bands with identical patterns and proportions were likely cut from the same garment, though the fourth band is missing. Remnants of undyed linen visible along their outer edges reveal they were once part of a tunic with a plain linen ground. Their faded red borders feature a tendril design, while the central strip presents dark green palmettes. The alternating leaves and palmettes that make up the main decoration on these bands contain within themselves smaller leaves and buds woven in several colors. The pendant of one band remains intact and contains a palmette. The flying shuttle technique, in which an extra weft is carried on a supplementary shuttle, outlines some of the small leaves in a light colored thread and creates serrations on the edges of the dark green palmettes.
Dimensions
22.2 x 5.1 cm (8 3/4 x 2 in.) 47.6 x 5.1 cm (18 3/4 x 2 in.) 41 x 5.1 cm (16 1/8 x 2 in.)
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