# Fragment of a textile [View the canonical artwork record]() ## Artwork - Artist: [UNKNOWN WEAVER, Coptic]() - Date: 0501-0550 - Technique: Tapestry weave ## Commentary Most textiles known as 'Coptic' are from Christian cemeteries in Egypt. They date from the 3rd century AD onwards, finally merging with Islamic textile types in the 11th or 12th centuries. The exceptionally dry conditions in Egypt have made possible the survival of all kinds of organic material, including many large Coptic textiles, with well-preserved colour. Considerable numbers of these textiles were excavated between c. 1880 and c. 1910, particularly at Akhmim and Antinoöpolis and in the region of Faiyum. Many museums worldwide have small collections. Items recovered are mainly fragmentary or complete tunics, mantles and furnishing textiles; the latter were wrapped around the bodies over the clothing. Most pieces show signs of wear and repair. It was formerly the practice after excavation to cut out and keep only well preserved and decorated areas. ## Related artworks - [Artemis and Acteon]() - [Figure holding a Peacock]() - [Fragment from a Coptic Hanging]() - [Fragment of a textile]() - [Fragment of a textile]() - [Nereid]() - [Panel with the Triumph of Dionysos]() - [Tunic]() - [Tunic with Dionysian Ornament]() ## Attribution [Web Gallery of Art]()