The collection of the picturesque Coptic textiles is certainly one that stands out from the many collections of the National Museum of Slovenia. These 53 textiles are the work of the Copts - the Christian population in Egypt. They testify to the wide variety of supports and decorations adorning tunics, shawls, and upholstery from the 3rd century to the period following the Arab conquests of Egypt in the late 7th century.

Coptic textiles are kept and displayed in various museums worldwide and have been the subject of numerous scientific researches, discussions and exhibitions. However, as new scientific findings have brought about changes in some longstanding interpretations, the experts of the National Museum of Slovenia have decided to re-examine and re-evaluate the collection of Coptic textiles using modern scientific techniques and methods and to present these beautiful, rare and invaluable artefacts to the public in the form of a exhibition and a special publication.

Text courtesy of www.nms.si.