Coptic Textiles

The presence of coptic textiles in Greek museums and collections, and especially in monasteries of the Eastern Orthodox Church, is scant. The preservation of these rare archaeological findings is owed to the burial practices of the Copts, who buried their dead fully clothed, and the aridity of the land of Egypt. The existence of textiles that have been mended, suggests that many of them were destined for everyday use, had already beeen worn and were not exclusively burial garments. Made of linen and wool with dyes from vegetable and animal compounds, they were used in the tunics of the dead. The colours in use were purple, red, blue, yellow, green, black and brown - purple being in limited use because of its costly and time-consuming production. At first, their decoration incorporated Egyptian as well as Greek motifs, and later shows Byzantine and Islamic influences. 1.Circular fragment of a himation, decorated with geometrical and floral motifs. 5th -6th century (?), h10 x w10 cm. 2. Kalathos rurrounded with stylized rhombus. The impressive, vibrant colours often make up for mistakes in the weaving design. 5th -6th century (?), h7.5 x w10 cm. 3. Woven band, part of the decoration of a chiton, decorated with geometric patterns and stylized leaves. 6th century (?), h8 x w6 cm.