ИСТИНА

The textile finds from the necropolis of Deir al-Banat, which is located on the south-eastern edge of the Fayoum oasis are rather diverse both functionally and chronologically. During rescue excavations on the Northern necropolis in 2009 and 2014 seasons were found approximately 200 items, including shrouds, tunic-like garments, shawls and headdresses, which are of a relatively late date and preliminary could be dated to the end of 9th – beginning of 11th century. One of the most interesting finds was ṭirāz linen found in the grave 226. It is a niche-grave with an entrance-pit of the narrow rectangular shape orientated from the Nord - Nord-West to the South – South-Eeast. Its dimensions are 1,80х0,38 m, maximal depth – 0,9 m from the level of virgin soil. Despite the fact that the burial was disturbed by robbers the body and textile funerary kit are rather well-preserved. The body of a women lies in the niche in situ, on her right side, with the head turned to the South – South-East, facing East, her left hand was on the pelvis bones, her right hand was under the pelvis, legs stretched. Women was dressed in two linen tunic-like tailored garments and wrapped in brown wool shawl with fringes and woven yellow bands near the borders. Ṭirāz textile was most probably used for the upper layer of wrappings. The embroidered inscription is one line of text in low, carefully written kufi with a row of crescent-like ornament (instead of letter tails) and triangular dots beneath. According to the position of bones, lack of any grave goods besides textiles and Arabic inscription on linen we may suppose that a Muslim was buried in the grave 226. Juxtaposing of all evidence let us date this burial to the end of 9th -10th century.