Tunic and Shoes in the Walters Art Museum, September 2009

Tunic

Creator: Byzantine (Artist) & Coptic (Artist)

Period: 6th-8th century (Late Antique)

Medium: wool (Textiles)

Accession Number: 83.484

Measurements: 24 13/16 x 36 5/8 x 1/4 in. (63.1 x 93.1 x 0.7 cm)

Geographies: Egypt (Place of Origin)


Given its small size, this tunic was probably made for a child. The ornamentation includes garlands, birds, and animals, all popular motifs in Early Byzantine Egypt. This type of tunic was worn by men, women, and children, and dates from as early as the 3rd century. The wool garment is woven in one piece, with colorful, decorative panels (segmenta), vertical strips (clavi), and neck and sleeve bands. Beneath the chest panel is often found an inscription giving the name and social rank of the tunic's owner.

Text from: art.thewalters.org/detail/18468/tunic