enclosing animals and human busts

Inv. No. 7381

Limestone, H: 40 cm, L: 135 cm
Saqqara, Monastery of St. Jeremiah, 6th / 7th
century
A Latin cross is set in the centre of this beautifully
carved frieze. Acanthus scrolls to either side of the
cross enclose human busts, an antelope and a lion.
Along the lower edge of the block is a Coptic
inscription which is a dedication of Victor and his
. son Shoi

Relief with a cross

Inv. No. 6529

Limestone
H: 27 cm, W: 32 cm
Unknown provenance, 7th century
This semi-circular stone is decorated with a cross set
against a pearl-studded shell. In Christianity the shell in
combination with the cross symbolize rebirth and
resurrection. The original context of the stone is not
. known, but most probably originates from a church

Relief with a crown flanked by two eagles

Inv. No.: 4619
Limestone
H: 32 cm, W: 44 cm
Unknown provenance, 7th century
Since ancient times the eagle has been a symbol of
majesty and triumph. In the Christian context, it
symbolizes the resurrection and is also associated with
the evangelist St. John. The symmetrical order of the two
eagles is a characteristic feature in Coptic art. A wreathlike crown in the centre of the relief stands as an emblem
. for victory

Inv. No. 8703

Limestone
H: 77 cm, W: 52 cm
Unknown provenance, 5th century
Coptic gravestones often depict the deceased with their
hands raised in prayer. This example was made for a
woman who is dressed in a long garment. A traditional
Roman mantle covers her head and shoulders and
hangs down over her elbows. The deceased stands
within an architectural structure of columns and a
pediment decorated with a shell. Lamps suspended from
the pediment above the womans hands relate to a
. chapel or church

4th century, unknown Provenance

Ahnas, probably 4th century

H: 40 cms, W: 115
Pan, good of the wood

Inv. No. 8585

Sandstone
H: 67 cm, W: 61 cm
Unknown provenance, 6th century
Tombstones from the early years of Christianity are often
decorated with an architectural structure symbolizing the house
of God. Various Christian symbols fill the lower part of this
gravestone. In the centre is Christs monogram, comprising the
two Greek letters Chi and Rho. This monogram is the most
common symbol of Jesus along with the cross and fish. Here it is
flanked by looped crosses (crux ansata), formerly the Egyptian
Hieroglyph Ankh (the key of life), and the first and last letter of
the Greek alphabet Alpha and Omega, evoking eternity. All of
these Christian signs are framed by fluted columns. Two leaves
and a Greek inscription are set inside the pediment. The
inscription gives the deceaseds name, the date of his death and
. expresses the wish that he may rest in peace

Capital with vine leaves and bunches of grapes

Inv. No. 8260
Limestone
H: 40 cm
Saqqara, Monastery of St. Jeremiah, 6th century
This basket-like capital is a masterpiece of Coptic sculpture and
exemplifies the outstanding skills of Coptic artists. It is decorated with
interwining vines, tendrils, leaves and bunches of grapes, evoking the
sacrifice of Christ and the Eucharist. There are faint traces of color, red
on the vines and brown on the leaves. The four projecting corners of
the abacus are covered with foliage. In its centre heart-shaped tendrils
. surround a bunch of grapes and a single leaf

Capital decorated with wind-blown acanthus leaves

Inv. No. 7978
Limestone
H: 43 cm
Saqqara, Monastery of St. Jeremiah, 6th century
The Coptic culture has yielded a great number of finely
carved capitals. This example is exceptional in its
design. It is decorated with acanthus leaves as if they
were blowing in the wind. On all of the capitals four
sides, at the upper edge, a Greek cross is set inside a
. wreath

Tombstone

Inv. No. 8566

Sandstone
El-Badary (Assiut), 6th century
This gravestone is carved with a looped cross,
formerly the Egyptian Ankh (the Pharaonic key of
life). It is decorated with a wreath-like pattern and
flanked by Greek crosses. Another Greek cross is set
inside the loop which is surrounded by a palm branch,
. which symbolises victory

Pottery and Glaze

Flask
Inv. No. 6717
Clay
Presumably from Abu Menas, 5th / 6th century
The pilgrimage site of Abu Menas is situated around 46
km southwest of Alexandria. St. Menas was martyred in
the time of Emperor Diocletian (284-305). According to
legend, his body was carried to the place where Menas is
buried today. The sancturary of Abu Menas flourished
from the 5th to the 7th century. Pilgrims from all over the
world have traveled to Abu Menas sancturary to seek
healing and to also take holy water home in circular
flasks. This example is decorated with St. Menas,
standing as an orans between a pair of camels. Above
his outstretched arms a short inscription in Greek reads
. Hagios [Saint] Menas

Two Flasks
Clay
Presumably from Abu Menas, 5th / 6th
century
These two flasks are decorated with the
figure of St. Menas who is surrounded by
camels, crosses, and inscriptions naming
. the Saint

Ovoid
Inv. No. 3262
Faience
From the workshop of Ktahya in Turkey, 18th
century
. This ovoid was attached to a hanging lamp

Bowl
Inv. No. 6720
Clay
Bought from Kamel Abdallah, 8th century
This painted bowl has a flat, scalloped rim and is decorated
with a plaited pattern. The base of the bowl is adorned with a
female bust inside a medallion, surrounded by a frieze of
. birds, a fantastic animal and a basket with nourishment

Jar

Inv. No. 9065

Clay
Saqqara, Monastery of St. Jeremiah, 7th century
This large storage jar with four handles, showing floral
motifs and a fish, was used as a container for liquid or
. food

Jar

Inv. No. 10427

Clay
Unknown Provenance, 7th / 8th century
This large painted jar is decorated with birds, animals,
rosettes and intersected lines. It was used as a
. container for food or liquid

Textiles

Tapestry hanging

Inv. No. 7948

Linen, wool
L: 142 cm, W: 103 cm
Antino (?), 4th/ 5th century
The Copts were famous for their outstanding weaving skills
and exported their products to other Mediterranean
countries. The textiles were mainly made of plain linen in
which the entire surface was decorated with dyed woolen
threads. This technique is called tapestry. One of the finest
examples was probably used as a curtain and is decorated
with a dark-skinned piper (on the right) and figures of
dancers, warriors and men on horseback in Greek style (on
the left). Such fragments of tapestry even give a vivid picture
. of Coptic taste

Tapestry hanging
Inv. No. 7690
Linen, wool
Bought from Kamel Abdallah Hammouda, 4th century
In this tapestry, a winged erote is holding a garland. The
lower right corner of this tapestry is decorated with leaves
and bunches of grapes. Black was used for the outlines of
the figures and different shades of the same color from
blue to grey along with different reds give this piece a
special optical effect. Such tapestry hangings furnished the
houses of wealthy Copts and were either hung on walls or
. used as curtains

Piece of textile
Inv. No. 7645
Linen, wool
Bought from Ashirof, 6th-8th century
This piece of textile is woven in tapestry with woolen
threads ornamented with human figures, animals,
. floral designs and birds

Fragment of tapestry with squares and interlace

Inv. No. 4783
Linen and wool
H: 30 cm, W: 31 cm
Unknown provenance, 4th century
Textiles like this example produced in the 4th and 6th
centuries were mainly monochromatic (use of only one
color) and decorated with intricate geometric and interlace
design. Violet was one of the prefered colors with which
. the woolen threads were dyed

Inv. No. 10605

Linen, wool
Unknown provenance, 5th-6th century
This tunic was a garment commonly worn by males in
Greco-Roman civilizations. At the top of this tunic, an
arcade encloses figures of dancers and warriors. Below,
two vertical panels with warriors and dancers alternate
. with roundels amid human busts

Fragment of tapestry
Inv. No. 1896
Linen, wool
Unknown provenance, 5th century
A roundel in tapestry with woollen
and linen threads. In the middle are
geometrical designs surrounded by
. fruit baskets and turtles

Fragment of tapestry
Inv. No. 1708
Linen, wool
Unknown
provenance, 7th / 8th century
.
A tapestry roundel with woollen and linen
threads is decorated with two standing
. figures with haloes flanking a rod

Icon with the Nativity

Inv. No. 3848
Paintd wood
H: 36,3 cm, W: 29,4 cm
Greek style, 17th century
Presented by Mrs. Hykyan Pasha
In the centre of the painting, the newly born Christ is lying
on a red bed inside a cave. An ox and a donkey approach
the newly born with curiosity. In front of the cave the
reclining Virgin Mary is wrapped in a cloth. To her left the
three Magi on horseback point to the star of Bethlehem. In
the upper left corner three angels witness the marvelous
meeting below. To the left at the bottom Joseph is shown as
an old man, in front of him is the devil in the disguise of an
old man, trying to convince Joseph to leave Mary. In the
upper right corner, an angel announces the good news to a
shepherd.

Icon with St. Barbara

Inv. No. 3451, Painted wood
Western style / Italy ?
St. Barbara Church, 15th century
St. Barbara is among the most popular Christian saints in the East and
West. She was locked in a tower by her pagan father, the rich
Dioscuros from Nikomedia (todays zmit in Turkey), who was
envious of his beautiful young daughter. While he was travelling,
Barbara converted to Christianity and eventually was beheaded by her
own father.

Icon with Sts. Sergius and Bacchus on one side and a face on
the other
Inv. No. 3360
Tempera and gilt on linen and wood
H: 42 cm, W: 28 cm
Probably from Wadi el-Natrun, Monastery of the Syrians, ca.
1300
St. Sergius (on the left) and St. Bacchus (on the right) were
two Syrian soldiers in the Roman army and suffered
martyrdom in 296. Their names are written in Greek next to
their heads. They wear Byzantine court dresses and gold
collars around their necks. In one hand they hold swords and
and in the other they carry staffs against their shoulders. The
other side of the icon depicts a face. The hair is set with a
diadem decorated with red and green jewels.

Icon with St. Anthony visiting St. Paul of Thebes

Inv. No. 3418
Painted wood
H: 55 cm, W: 56 cm
Old Cairo, Monastery of Mercurius (Abu Sayfayn), 1777
St. Paul (on the right) is regarded as the first Christian
hermit; St. Anthony (on the left) is called the Father of the
Monks. Their names are written in Coptic next to the
halos surrounding their heads. Both saints met each other
towards the end of Pauls life (c. 343) who was buried by
Anthony in a grave dug by lions. According to the Life of
St. Paul written by St. Jerome, St. Paul was barefoot and
dressed in a coarse garment made of palm leaves. St.
Anthony is depicted in the conventional vestment of a
monk.

Icon with the Flight of the Holy Family into Egypt

Inv. No. 3350
Painted wood
H: 77 cm, W: 54,7 cm
Unknown Provenance, 18th century (?)
In the centre of the depiction is the Virgin Mary riding on a white
horse. Jesus is seated on St. Josephs right shoulder. In the
background, a town with white houses refers to Egypt, the place
of refuge. The sojourn of the Holy Family into Egypt plays an
important role in the Coptic Church and is annually celebrated
. on the 1st of June

Icon with Jesus entering Jerusalem as a King

Inv. No. 3463
Painted wood
Akhmim style, 18th century
This icon depicts the triumphant entry of Jesus
into Jerusalem as a king. People line the path and
throw their garments in front of the donkey
carrying Jesus. This event is called Palm
Sunday, as people welcomed Christ by throwing
palms in his way and is regarded as one of the
major feasts in the Coptic Church.
The other side of the panel shows the Crucifixion.

Panel with inscription

Inv. No. 928
Ivory
The Church of Anba Shenouda, 13th century
A rare panel of a sanctuary door carved in fine relief with
verses from a Psalm in Coptic: I was glad when they said
unto me, Let us go into the House of the Lord (Ps 122:1).

Containers
Inv. Nos. 176, 5656, 7572
Ivory, bone
Unknown provenance
Two of these three decorative
containers (5656, 7572) were used to
keep eye-paint (kohl). The third
container (176) probably also served as
. a cosmetic object

Comb with reliefs on both sides

Inv. No. 5655

Ivory
H: 9 cm, W: 11 cm
Deir Abu-Hennis (near Antino), 6th century
Combs with two sets of teeth, one set with fine
teeth and the other with coarse teeth, were
introduced to Egypt in Roman times. The fine
quality and decoration of this comb suggests that
it was rather used in a liturgical context than for
every-day purposes. One side of the comb shows
two miracles from the New Testament: the Raising
of Lazarus and the Healing of the Blind. On the
other side two angels support a wreath inside of
. which a warrior on horesback is depicted

Two pages from the Nag Hammadi Library (Codex II)

Inv. No. 10544
Papyrus
H: 28 cm, W: 15 cm
Jabal al-Taref, near Nag Hammadi, 4th century
In 1945 a farmer discovered 13 codices (books) near the town of Nag
Hammadi in Upper Egypt. They were sealed in a large terracotta jar and
wrapped in leather bindings. These invaluable documents are written in
Coptic and serve as the primary source of gnosticism, a religious
movement in the early years of Christianity. The Gnostics (gnosis
meaning knowledge in Greek) believed that divine experience could be
achieved directly without a mediator like Jesus Christ who was needed to
gain knowledge of the divine truth. Gnosticism was hindered by the
official church from spreading its heretical ideas. The Nag Hammadi
Library provides interesting information on religion, the Coptic language,
philosophy and bookbinding techniques. The left page of the papyrus
bears the end of the apocryphon (secret teachings) of John and the
beginning of the gospel of Thomas. The right page of the papyrus is an
excerpt from On the Origin of the World. The originals of the Nag
Hammadi Library are kept in the manuscript archive at the Coptic
Museum in Old Cairo.

Frontispiece of a gospel
Inv. No. 90
Oriental paper
Written by the Priest Abul-Fadl in Damascus, 1340 A.D.
By the 10th century Coptic documents began to be translated into
Arabic, the official language in Egypt following the Arab conquest
in 641 A.D. The title page of this gospel is decorated with
geometrical design comprising four polygons with crosses framed
by interlaced borders and foliage. This ornate pattern of blue and
gold shows a clear influence of Mameluke art. The script is written
in the kufic style (the oldest form of Arabic calligraphy). Originally
the gospel was housed in the library of the Coptic Patriarchate
. and could be borrowed for a maximum of 5 days

The epistles of St. Paul, the Catholic epistles and the acts in
Copto-Arabic
Inv. No. 146
Paper
The Church of St. Mercurius (Abu Sayfayn), Old Cairo, 1249
A.D.
The titles of each book are written inside the frontispiece and
illuminated in gold and colored pigments. This miniature depicts
.the four apostles: James, Peter, John and Jude

Psalmody
Inv. No. 4091
Vegetable paper
Unknown provenance, 1743 A.D.
A psalmody consists of religious songs, prayers and poems
and plays a major role in the Coptic-Orthodox liturgy and
personal devotion. This example is written in Coptic with a
transliteration into Arabic and is decorated on various pages.
This Folio 177v features Moses and God speaking to him
from within a Burning Bush.

Lectionary for Holy Week, with Homilies

Inv. No. 1017
Paper
The Church of Holy Virgin at Haret Zuwayla, Cairo, 1625 A.D.
This lavish liturgical manuscript of readings used in the
service of the Holy Week, presents a Coptic-Arabic bilingual
text in adjacent columns. The frontispiece, facing the opening
page of the text, features a cross illuminated in gold and blue
pigment.

The Four Gospels

Inv. No. 147
Linen paper
Unknown provenance, 1226 A.D.
The four Gospels in Arabic are decorated with punctuation
marks as gilt rosettes and miniatures of the four evangelists.
This illumination shows St. John painted in tempera and
gold.

Metal

Ink-pot
Inv. No. 1515
Silver
Unknown provenance
Octagonal ink-pot with conical cover, bronze chain and
. crosses

Two cauldrons
Inv. No. 5019/2
Bronze
Asfoun, Upper Egypt
In the Roman era every-day objects were preferably made
of bronze. These two cauldrons are provided with two strap
handles. Three of its four feet are in the form of an animals
. legs

Bible casket
Inv. No. 4867
Wood, silver
H: 39,5 cm, W: 29 cm, D: 10.5 cm
Unknown provenance, 1255
This precious Bible casket of wood is covered with
embossed silver sheets attached by nails. A rombic and
floral pattern runs along all four sides. In the centre Virgin
Mary with Jesus sitting on her lap are placed in between
. two Arabic lines

Bible casket
Inv. No. 1565
Wood, silver with gilding, glass
H: 49 cm, W: 38 cm, D. 10 cm
Old Cairo, Church of the Virgin Mary (Qasrat al-Rihan),
1424
The entire surface of this richly decorated Bible casket is
embossed with floral patterns and interlace. In the centre,
cabochons of glass in white and green create a floral
pattern. A Coptic text at the upper and lower edges of the
casket designate the church the casket was dedicated to,
in A.D. 1424.

Eagle
Inv. No. 1510
Bronze
H: 47 cm, W: 41 cm
Old Cairo, Fortress of Babylon, 3rd / 4th century
A majestic eagle with outspread wings holds in its talons
a horn filled with leaves and fruitbearing branches. The
eagle is an ancient symbol of power, beauty and
independence. In Christianity the eagle became a symbol
of resurrection and the evangelist St. John. This bronze
eagle was discovered in the debris of the Fortress of
. Babylon

Lamp
Inv. No. 1386
Bronze
Provenance unknown, Byzantine period
This lamp on an elaborate stand is decorated with a
cross implying a religious context. A rooster is placed at
its top.

Ostracon
Inv. No. 4746
Limestone
Excavation at Zawiet el-Arian, 6th-8th century
Ostraca are fragmentary pieces of pottery, stone or bone
bearing inscriptions or a design. This ostracon shows part
of a running horse, its body decorated with motifs and a
Coptic

WOOD

Frieze decorated with a Nilotic scene

Inv. No. 7211
Tamarisk wood
H: 20 cm, W: 95.5 cm
Unknown provenance, 6th century
The depiction of Nilotic elements goes back as far as Pharaonic
times. A rich variety of animals and plants enliven the
riverbanks. This frieze was decoratively set into the walls of
architectural structures. It shows a well-fed crocodile
surrounded by fish and various blossoms, a wine leaf and other
. plants

Toys
Inv. Nos. a) 8894 (horse), b) 8895 (man on horseback), c) 8890
(bird)
Wood
H: a) 16 cm, b) 15 cm, c) 4.5 cm
L: a) 17.5 cm, b) 19 cm, c) 10.3 cm
a) Karanis (Kum Aushim), b) Oxyrhynchos, c) Gerzeh, 5th-7th
century
These three wooden toys are among the best preserved
examples discovered in late Antique childrens burials or
settlement sites. The toys were pulled by a string attached through
a hole in the animals head or neck. The horse retains faint traces
. of green and red colour

Panel with relief

Inv. No. 10519
Wood
H: 35.2 cm, W: 26,3 cm
Aphroditopolis (Kom Ishqaw), 6th / 7th century
This relief was originally part of a wooden box and is among
the finest pieces retained from late Antique remains in
Aphroditopolis. It shows a lion attacking an antelope within a
. fruitbearing plant

Lintel
Inv. No. 753
Sycamore wood
H: 36 cm, W: 274 cm
Old Cairo, presumably from the Hanging Church (el-Moallaqa), 5th
century
This exceptional lintel depicts two scenes from the New Testament: The
entry of Jesus, as a king, into Jerusalem and the Ascension. In the first
scene (on the left) Jesus is entering the city on a donkey. There are three
figures opposite of him: one is spreading his cloak before Christ. Another
is praising Jesus by waving with a palm-branch and the dancing daughter
of Zion (John 12:15) turns her head back to the second scene. Jesus is
enthroned in a Mandorla supported by angels in full flight and two
animals associated with the evangelists, the ox (Luke) and lion (Mark).
Jesus is flanked by Virgin Mary (next to him on the left side) and the
apostles. Above these two scenes a hymn in four Greek lines is praising
.Jesus

Altar
Inv. No. 1172
Pine wood
H: 100 cm, W: 120 cm, D: 75 cm
Old Cairo, Church of Sts. Sergius and Bacchus, 5th
century
The church of Sts. Sergius and Bacchus once kept the
oldest wooden altar discovered in Egypt. Today the altar
is displayed next door at the Coptic Museum. All four
sides imitate arcades with torsated columns and
Corinthian capitals. The panels above them are
decorated with shells and crosses, as well as foliage and
birds. Originally there were four columns on the long
sides and two columns on the short sides of the altar,
. only eight columns are preserved

Door with two leaves

Inv. No. 738
Sycamore and pine wood
H: 240 cm, W: 107 cm
Old Cairo, Church of St. Barbara, 6th century
This door with two leaves is the most remarkable and best preserved
example among a few doors recovered from the Roman and Byzantine
periods. It was discovered between two walls during restoration works in
the church of St. Barbara. Despite considerable damages, the artistic skill
of its producers can still be noticed. On the front of the door (left leaf) a
panel at the upper corner is decorated with the bust of Jesus Christ
within a wreath supported by two angels. The scene is flanked by two
saints set against curtains and holding the holy book. The back of the
door is richly carved with vine-scrolls, vine-leaves and grapes growing
.out of vases

Door with two leaves

Inv. No. 738
Sycamore and pine wood
H: 240 cm, W: 107 cm
Old Cairo, Church of St. Barbara, 6th century
This door with two leaves is the most remarkable and best
preserved example among a few doors recovered from the
Roman and Byzantine periods. It was discovered between
two walls during restoration works in the church of St.
Barbara. Despite considerable damages, the artistic skill of
its producers can still be noticed. On the front of the door
(left leaf) a panel at the upper corner is decorated with the
bust of Jesus Christ within a wreath supported by two
angels. The scene is flanked by two saints set against
curtains and holding the holy book. The back of the door is
richly carved with vine-scrolls, vine-leaves and grapes
. growing out of vases

Dome
Inv. No. 1175
Wood
Hanging Church (el-Moallaqa), Fatimid Period
This wooden altar cupola is decorated with Greek crosses
and interlaces foliage in relief. There are also traces of
.painted figures and ornamentation in the center of the panels

Panel with relief

Inv. No. 8796
Wood
H: 29 cm, W: 22.5-25 cm
Bawit, Monastery of St. Apollo, cell 41, 6th / 7th century
Due to the tenons at the upper left and lower edges, this panel
originally functioned as the lid of a box or door of a cupboard. The
monk is depicted as a scribe with a conically-shaped pen-case
hanging over his left shoulder (cf. leather case inv. no. 9223). In
his left hand he is holding a scroll. A peacock in the upper right
corner symbolizes resurrection. At the bottom on the right is a
.horned altar

Leather case
Inv. No. 9223
Unknown provenance, Byzantine Period
Leather case in conical shape with five tubules into which
the pens were slipped.