Life of the Textiles
Child’s Tunic with Clavi and Neckband
Egypt
ca. 300–700 CE
Linen and wool
Jefferson University, T&CC 1988.1.4
Tunic clavi are usually composed of solid bands of decoration. In this tunic, the clavi are replaced with a whimsical pattern of blue, green, and orange leaves that runs vertically down the front of the garment. Trees and floral designs in the same colors decorate the neckband at the top of the fragment. We can identify this textile as a child’s tunic because of its waist tuck, which allowed the length of the tunic to be adjusted as the owner grew.
Clavus and Tabula
Egypt
ca. 300–700 CE
Wool
Jefferson University, T&CC 1987.1.31
This fragment of a tunic features two segmenta. The long clavus band runs down the chest area while the square decoration, the tabula, sits near the neckline.
Armband with Animals
Egypt
ca. 300–700 CE
Wool
Jefferson University, T&CC 1987.1.24
Armbands were decorated bands found on tunic sleeves. They could be placed at the wrists, forearms, upper arms, and near the shoulders.
Orbiculus
Egypt
ca. 400–600 CE
Linen and wool
Jefferson University, T&CC 1989.1.30.3
This orbiculus could have been placed on various types of textiles. If placed on a tunic, it would be positioned on the shoulders or near the knees.
Gammadion and Tabula
Egypt
ca. 300–700 CE
Wool
Jefferson University, T&CC 1989.1.30.12
Although this tabula and gammadion have deteriorated, the L-shape of the gammadion and the square format of the tabula are still clearly visible. A corresponding gammadion and tabula would have been placed on the opposite side of the tunic.
