Egypt’s Copts produced beautiful crafts more than any other part of the early Christian world. They created a rich legacy of intricate textiles, leather, wickerwork, delicately shaped metals, colourful glass and ceramics, as well as ivory, bone and wooden items. Personal objects from the Coptic period are the culmination of several thousands of years of Egyptian civilization. While museums often display such items as objets d’art, originally most objects had a practical function in addition to their aesthetic value. Whether appreciated for their function or their beauty, they are timeless works and continue to be admired by specialists and the public alike.
Fragment of linen cloth with tapestry-woven decoration, ankh-cross, of coloured wool and undyed linen. Probably 8th – 10th century AD.
Fragment of a curtain depicting a dancing female figure with dark skin. Linen cloth with tapestry-woven decoration of coloured wool and undyed linen.
Probably 5th – 6th century AD.
Clay was used to create all types of containers, from jars, wine amphorae, and dishes,
to bowls and oil lamps. 6th – 7th century AD.
Wooden combs were usually designed with coarse teeth on one side to
detangle hair, and fine teeth on the other to clean and smooth hair.
Luxury combs were often decorated with filigree patterns.
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