Luxurious Woolen Tunic with Decorated Bands and Roundels 600s-700s Egypt, Islamic Umayyad period, 7th-8th Century Weft-faced plain weave with slit-and dovetailed-tapestry weave, supplementary weft wrapping, embroidery; undyed linen, dyed wool Overall: 205 x 170.2 cm (80 11/16 x 67 in.) The A. W. Ellenberger, Sr., Endowment Fund 1972.46 LOCATION 106A Migration Period & Coptic DESCRIPTION Since the mid-AD 200s tunics were the main garments worn in Egypt. This unisex tunic is decorated on the front and back with the same geometric and figural motifs, including men on horseback hunting and geometric braided knots that were believed to protect the wearer from harm. A red background was favored in the early Islamic period. Made of thick wool for cooler weather, it was woven in one complete piece with the front, back, and sleeves in this exact shape and size. The tunic’s owner repaired it on the left side and shortened it nearly two inches by sewing a fold around the waist. The discoloration and deterioration indicate the garment may have been used in a burial. EXHIBITION HISTORY Gallery 210 textile rotation. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (September 11, 2000-October 21, 2001); (October 29, 2004-July 18, 2005). Year in Review: 1972. The Cleveland Museum of Art (organizer) (February 27-March 18, 1973). Fiberworks: Tradition and Technique. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (October 5-November 11, 1977). Textiles from Egypt, Syria and Spain: 7th through 15th centuries. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (November 26-June 6, 1991). Byzantine Gallery 210 Rotation. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (September 12, 2000-October 25, 2001). Byzantine Gallery 210 Rotation. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (October 29, 2004-July 18, 2005). Coptic Textile Rotation. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (March 31, 2010-April 1, 2011). Coptic Textile Rotation. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (March 3, 2015-April 11, 2016).