Egypt, Coptic
Portion of a hanging showing a figure of a warrior
5th­6th century A.D.
Linen and wool, plain weave with supplementary 
wefts forming uncut pile loops
136.5 x 88.3 cm
Grace R. Smith Textile Endowment, 1982.1578

A warrior is shown in this fragment of a hanging. His upraised arms may have held his weapons. What architectural form is above his head? 

Early Christian Egyptians were known as Copts, and a number of their textiles buried in dry tombs have survived. Woven of linen and wool, the brilliant colors of this fragment still seem fresh today. What color are the columns?