Image Information
CreatorCoptic
CultureAfrican; North African; Egyptian
TitleJewelled Cross
Work TypeTextiles

embroidered
Date5th century - 6th century
Materiallinen, wool
MeasurementsH.54 x W.27 in. (irregular)
Style PeriodCoptic
DescriptionFront

This cloth was made by a Christian Egyptian weaver to be used as a sanctuary curtain in a Coptic church or possibly a monatery. It was probably used finally as a pall to cover the coffin of an important person and buried with the deceased. Because the Egyptian climate is conducive to textile preservation, the fabric was still in good condition when it was unearthed, probably in this century. Patches where the cloth had been mended can still be seen.

This curtain with its many symbolic images, including a large Latin cross, is among the most important early Christian fabrics that survive today. The combination of a wreath, which was traditionally awarded to winners of competitions, and the cross, which refers to Christ's crucifixion, was meant to remind the viewer of the Christian message of victory over death or the joy of everlasting life.

RepositoryThe Minneapolis Institute of Arts

Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

The Centennial Fund

83.126

http://www.artsmia.org/
ARTstor CollectionThe Minneapolis Institute of Arts Collection

Formerly in The AMICO Library
ID NumberMIA_.83.126
SourceData From: The Minneapolis Institute of Arts
RightsThis image was provided by The Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Contact information: DeAnn Dankowski, Permissions Assistant, The Minneapolis Institute of Arts, 2400 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55404, (612) 870-3029 (ph), (612) 870-3004 (fax), permissions@artsmia.org.

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