Band with Dolphin and Vine
Byzantine
Purple circles and diamonds are connected in the upper portion of this band by a vine and berry motif. Between the circles and diamonds run stems with three berries on each side. Details of the circles and diamonds are created in the ‘flying shuttle’ technique in a buff colored supplementary weft. Below this pattern is a purple rectangle containing a buff colored dolphin with a curling tail and open mouth. Below the dolphin, the beginning of a vine scroll with acanthus leaves is visible. On either side of the tapestry woven band are several rows of plain woven linen. In the area of tapestry, the warps are linen and the wefts are dyed and undyed wool.
Purple and buff wool on undyed linen, tapestry woven
Byzantine period, Early