FragmentsCoptic5th-7th century

Plaque with Dancer

c. 400-640 CE

Description

Fragment of a thin, flat bone plaque from a furnishing (a box or other item of furniture) depicting the torso and arm of a dancer; the head and lower body are not preserved. The plaque is carved in low relief. The dancer's upper torso is wrapped in a cloth, and a sash or scarf (perhaps the same as that which encircles the body) is draped from the torso and over the forearm. The dancer's hand hand reaches out, to the left, to another hand (figure not preserved), likely that of another dancer.

Classification

Fragments

Technique

Carved

Medium

Bone

Culture

Coptic

Period

Byzantine period

Century

5th-7th century

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Department

Department of Ancient and Byzantine Art & Numismatics

Dimensions

actual: 4.3 cm (1 11/16 in.)

Provenance

[Charles Dikran Kelekian, New York (by 1982)], inherited by; his wife, Beatrice Kelekian, New York, (1982-1984), gift; to the Harvard University Art Museums, 1984.