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© Bruce M. White, 2005.
Dress Ornament in the Form of a Papyrus Spray
© Bruce M. White, 2005.
© Bruce M. White, 2005.
© Bruce M. White, 2005.
ClassificationsGreek and Roman Art

Dress Ornament in the Form of a Papyrus Spray

CultureMinoan
PeriodLate Minoan IIIa
Dateca. 14th Century BCE
MediumGold
Credit LineAnonymous gift
Dimensions1 1/4 x 1 5/16 (3.2 x 3.3)
Object number2005.033.002
Label TextThe almost complete lack of surviving textiles from the ancient world probably represents archaeology's single greatest loss. Their prime importance, however, is made absolutely clear in literature and in their representations in art. The palace accounts for the Minoan palace at Knossos (Linear B tablets) reveal that as many as 100,000 sheep were farmed under close control of the palace in outlying villages. Every year, these communities would supply to the palace specified quantities of woven cloth or unworked wool by way of tribute. Some of this was intended for domestic consumption, for example the uniforms of palace employees. Egyptian wall-paintings of Minoans carrying bolts of cloth show, however, that some was destined for export abroad, whether as diplomatic gifts or for exchange in trade.

The Linear B tablets from Knossos and Pylos record that fabrics were made both from wool and (at Pylos) from flax (linen) of various kinds. Sometimes, garments were further adorned with gold sequins. These could be arranged in a row, as a border, or, if fewer were available, given a place of prominence.

Here, the sequin takes the form of a papyrus spray. Nine small holes around the edge enabled it to be stitched to a garment. Papyrus is not native to Crete, but is common, even symbolic, of Egypt. Like the nautilus shell (2005.33.3), the subject here not only provides evidence of simple Minoan contact with Egypt, but more importantly allows us to ponder the reaction of Minoan visitors and traders in Egypt, and the merchandise, ideas and stories they brought back to Crete. In date this sequin is contemporary with Egypt's Middle Kingdom, from which a small royal head is exhibited in the Egyptian galleries (2005.17.2). Gold dress ornaments continued to be made in much later, classical times, as, for instance 2003.8.10-18.
Exhibition HistoryFrom Pharaohs to Emperors: New Egyptian and Classical Antiquities at Emory, Michael C. Carlos Museum, January 14 - April 2, 2006
Monsters, Demons & Winged Beasts: Composite Creatures in the Ancient World, Michael C. Carlos Museum, February 5 - June 19, 2011
MCCM Permanent Collection Reinstallation, September 2013 - June 19, 2014
MCCM Permanent Collection Reinstallation, July 2014 - Present
ProvenanceWith George Allen [Hesperia Art], Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Ex coll., New York, New York.
Status
On view
Collections
  • Greek and Roman Art