Fragment, clavus from a tunic, plain woven linen and tapestry woven linen and wool, Fayum, Egypt, 4th Century - 6th Century

Fragment of plain woven undyed linen with a tapestry woven band in purple wool wefts. The ground fabric has a simple selvedge hemmed over with a wide running stitch in linen thread. At that end, another piece of linen has been sewn onto the first, using a small running stitch. The fabric has some staining and holes, and a crease from being folded.

The slit-tapestry woven decoration is woven directly into the ground fabric. It depicts a cloaked human figure holding an unidentified object, and below this three medallions, all enclosed by oval borders from which stylised leafs emerge. The first depicts a rabbit, the second a tree, and the third a lion. The lion and hare are both on a false hatched background of purple wool and undyed linen. Areas of the weft threads are missing.

Plain weave:
Linen warp (S-spun, 32/cm)
Linen weft (S-spun, 24/cm)

Tapestry weave:
Linen warp (S-spun)
Wool weft (Z-spun)

Given by University College of London

A fragment of undyed linen cloth (310mmx130mm) with a decorative band of tapestry in maroon wool. The linen is a gauze of plain weave (approx. 32x24tpc). There is one simple selvedge that has been hemmed over with a wide running stitch using linen thread. At that end another piece of linen cloth (50mm wide) has been sewn onto the first using a small running stitch. The cloth is decorated with a band of decorative tapestry (40mm wide). The motifs featured include a man with a cloth and holding something, a rabbit, a tree, a lion? and a bird. Most of these are within oval shapes and leaves are attached to the corner of the ovals. A hand written label (ink) has been sewn to one corner. Some staining and the fabric has a crease from being folded.

T.550-1974