Ornamental Band with Nilotic Elements

Unknown

6th–7th century · Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave · Islamic Art

This luxurious band is woven from a combination of silk and linen, revealing a love of finery that was characteristic of early Byzantine art. The skillfully rendered Nilotic fauna (a duck, a fish, an ibis, and snake) was not simply illustrative of abundance and prosperity, it was meant to attract wealth as well.

Artist

Unknown

Date

6th–7th century

Medium

Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of George F. Baker, 1890