Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (14.2002(2003))

NAQLUN

EGYPT

BURIAL TUNICS FROM NAQLUN

Barbara Czaja-Szewczak

Among the trove of textiles that aug-
mented last year's collection originating
from burials at the Naqlun cemetery, tunics
formed a distinctive group.1} They were
made for the most part of linen in balanced
plain weave, although woolen examples
have also been recorded. Silk thread is
found in the decorated parts of linen dress
woven in tapestry weave. An analysis of the
burials led to the conclusion that the tunics
were treated both as undergarments and
outer wear.1 2)
Three principal types of tunics can be
distinguished among the garments ex-
cavated from the burials in Naqlun. The
first was a sleeveless type called a bag tunic;
the second a straight-sleeved tunic that
generates immediate associations with an
earlier garment referred to as tunica
inconsutilis;3) the third was very much like
the modern galabiyah.
The bag-shaped tunic was a rectangular
gore of fabric, sown together at the sides
with slits left for the arms and a “bateau” —
shaped neckline. This type of tunic came
from the burials in tombs T. 292
(Nd.02.145), T. 300 (Nd.02.175), T. 316
(Nd.02.243), T. 316 (Nd.02.247), T. 323
(Nd.02.264 and Nd.02.327) and T. 311
(Nd.02.304). They were made of linen as
well as wool, and were used as under-
garments (inner tunic in direct contact

with the skin) and outer dress (outer tunic).
The latter, if made of wool, was presumably
used as a warmer covering on cool days.
Of special interest are two dark blue
woolen tunics from tombs T. 299
(Nd.02.179) and T. 300 (Nd.02.175)
(Fig. 1). In both cases the robes had been
placed separately in the graves: in T. 299
near the chest of the deceased, in T. 300
near the head. The tunics were made of the
same kind of fibers, in the same technique,


Fig. 1. Fag-shaped tunic from burial
T. 300 (Nd.02.175)
(Drawing B. Czaja-Szewczak)

1) For a report on the season's results, see contribution by W. Godlewski in this volume.
2) For remarks on burial textiles, including tunics, from earlier excavations of the cemetery at Naqlun, see report by
B. Czaja-Szewczak, PAM XI, Reports 1999 (2000), esp. 136-141.
3) Spread out, the tunic forms the shape of a cross.

177