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Coptic Egyptian Textile Fragment of a Lion browse these categories for related items... Directory: Archives:Regional Art:Ancient World:Egyptian: Pre AD 1000: Item # 638422
Janus Antiquities By Appointment New Jersey (330) 612-3957 Guest Book SOLD |
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Tradition dictates that the Coptic Church in Egypt is based upon the teachings of St. Mark, one of the original disciples who supposedly visited Egypt around 50 A.D. Christianity took hold easily in Egypt, largely as a result of existing Egyptian religious beliefs that meshed well with Christian doctrine (e.g., the resurrection of Osiris and the holy trinity of Osiris, Isis, and Horus). The Coptic Church was more or less exiled from the Western Christian church due to its emphasis on monastic living and especially due to its belief in monophysitism, the notion that Christ's human and divine natures should be considered one inseparable, perfect union, "the nature of the incarnate word." This stood in sharp contrast to the traditional belief that Christ's human self and divine self are distinctive. The Coptic Church thrived in Egypt for centuries, even under Arab rule, as the Prophet's only childbearing wife was a Copt and pleaded with her husband to show kindness to her people. However, by the end of the 12th Century AD, Egypt had become primarily Muslim. Despite this conversion, the Coptic church still exists today with a large membership in modern Egypt.
Solitary lions are ambiguous symbols on Coptic-period textiles. Because the lion is the symbol of Saint Mark, the first patrioch of the church in Egypt, it was a popular Christian symbol. However, lions were also prominent Pagan symbols, such as the Nemean lion slain by Hercules. In the Pagan tradition, lions were symbolic of invulnerability or salvation, and thus equally desirable to wear. The motif of a lion could therefore be worn by either a Pagan or a Christian for very different reasons. See Diane Carol, "Looms and Textiles of the Copts," pg. 100 for more on lion imagery on Coptic textiles. AGE: Fifth century A.D. CONDITION: A fragmentary piece overall, but in good shape save for a little loss to the upper left corner. Comes ready for display in a 5.5" x 4.5" Riker case as shown. DIMENSIONS: Measures about 4" long and 2.75" tall (10.2 cm x 7 cm) |
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