MATS AND BASKETS FROM CEMETERY A AT NAQLUN IN FAYUM OASIS
MATS AND BASKETS FROM CEMETERY A AT NAQLUN IN FAYUM OASIS

Summary/Abstract: The article presents mats and baskets from the Christian cemetery (A) in Naqlun (Fayum Oasis), recorded in the 2004 season. The assemblage, dated provisionally to the 12th–13th century, is unique owing as much to its sheer size as to the exceptional state of preservation. Two-system basketry techniques, weaving with one and with two strands, have been distinguished among both the mats and baskets. Round mats and baskets were made with the sewn plaits technique. There is reason to think that the basketry assemblage in question reflects an aspect of Christian burial rites of the period.

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