Fragment with Crux Ansata and Inscription

Description

Crux ansata/ankh and partial Greek inscription tapestry woven in colored wool. Letters present are eta, lunate sigma, theta, (omicron?)... This is mostly likely a votive inscription requesting protection for particular individual(s). The crux ansata is a symbol adopted early by Christians in Egypt, primarily because of the ancient Egyptian ankh’s meaning ‘life.’ This crux ansata is white with an indigo border and has flared ends; its loop is filled in with yellow around an indigo dot. The symbol is surrounded by red dots. The letters are alternately red and indigo, with white centers. Areas of interlock tapestry in the letters keep the slits around them closed. The white fill in the letters is created by supplementary weft wrapping (flying shuttle), as is the white and yellow within the crux ansata. A buff tabby background surrounds the inscription. Strongly eccentric wefts are visible around the letters.