Fragment of a Band with Scenes from the Vintage

Unknown

4th–6th century · Linen, wool · Islamic Art

This band (clavus) probably decorated a tunic. At one end a curly-haired youth harvests grapes with a sickle. A woman drinks from a vessel at the opposite end. The man and woman are separated by a bust-length figure in a medallion. Such figures are common in late antique art. In some instances, the busts personify the seasons or the earth and represent the abundance of nature. Other images, like the one seen here, are generic and may have been intended to protect the wearer or to attract good fortune and prosperity.

Artist

Unknown

Date

4th–6th century

Medium

Linen, wool

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of George F. Baker, 1890