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A textile fragment shaped like an eight-pointed star and worked in deep violet with a fine white design showing a central circle with geometric shapes, a scalloped ring, and leaves that fill the points of the star.

Textile Fragment: Eight-Pointed Star

Byzantine

Leaves located at each point define the star shape of this fragment. At each point, three leaves grow from a single stem; two of the leaves are heart-shaped and the other is a grape leaf. The center of the circle contains a double circle and diamond pattern executed in the flying shuttle technique of supplementary weft wrapping in fine, very white linen thread. This created decorative patterns not integrated into the fabric’s structure. Because these threads rest above the tapestry weave, they are easily broken. Such damage can be seen in the double circles at the center of this fragment.

Wool and linen

Byzantine period, Early

Textile Arts