Most of the patterned motifs in these pieces were tapestry-woven, that is introducing coloured weft yarns to the warp. The tapestry motifs were then embroidered into garments as trim and decoration.
Ancient fragments that are both fragile and robust, they have survived many centuries. The weavers who worked and stitched these cloths were Coptic and living in Egypt. They used Linen; for it’s cooling properties strength, and plentiful supply; and Wool, as it was easily dyed, coloured and of course warm.
A collection of Coptic textiles is part of the the broader textile collection at the Met. When not on display they are stored in the textile research library. Ðα
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[...] is an invention, or more of a revival could do with further clarity for me. One just has to look at Coptic fragments (from around 450AD onwards) to see beautiful simplicity both in form and colour and [...]