Notes on Two Children’s Tunics in the Coptic Museum, Cairo

Document Type : Original Research Articles

Author

Abstract

Textiles are civilizational treasures and dresses are forms of cultural heritage, because of closing a visual means of communicating thoughts and values. Coptic textiles were constructed using the skilled weaving techniques of the Pharaonic era. The textiles had developed during Egyptian history, which was influenced by different cultures such as Greek, Roman, pagan, Christian, and later, Islamic. Around the fourth century, Egyptian weaving technology advanced greatly, and Coptic textiles are thought to have appeared at this time. Coptic textiles were used to make a tunic, a simple straight-sided gown without sleeves worn by men, women, and children. It was woven in a combination of linen plain weave and woollen tapestry weave for a tunic. In the Coptic Museum Cairo, there are two children’s tunics, the child’s tunic no. 10213 is exhibited in room no. 11, and the child’s tunic no.12670 is stored in the storeroom of the Coptic Museum. The child’s tunic is made from linen, wool, and with sewn tapestry bands, without sleeves, 32 length x 29 width cm, was found in the Christian tombs in Fayoum, while the other is made of linen, and its provenance is not known. The museum data does not include an accurate description of the fragments of the children’s tunics. The purpose of this study of to describe the children’s tunics, and comparative study with dating tunics. In addition, the tunics and its weaving technology will be explained, and this will help understand the originality of Coptic textiles

Keywords

Main Subjects