Los tejidos coptos del museo de Montserrat. Presentación de la colección

The aim of this paper is to present a short introduction to the Coptic Fabric Collection in the Museum of Montserrat. After an initial research, we are ready to exhibit a small selection of some samples from the variety of the collection showing the typology and chronology together with an hypothesis about the function of the pieces and their iconographic patterns. Numerous decorative fragments of orbiculi, tabulae and clavi as well as complete tunics, shawls and veils (coming from the Necropolis of Antinoe), with a chronological range between the 4th and 8th centuries A.D., that include traditional hellenistic and Byzantine specimen, make up this particular collection. This paper presents the beginning of a series of studies which we hope will contribute to the research of the textile world and more precisely to the type of clothing used during the late antique period. We hope that in a not too distant future, after the process of restoration has been completed, we shall be able to present all the fabrics.