Roundel from a Curtain, 300s. Egypt, Byzantine period, 4th-5th century. Plain weave ground with tapestry weave and supplementary weft wrapping; undyed linen and dyed wool; overall: 45.2 x 47.7 cm (17 13/16 x 18 3/4 in.); mounted: 64.1 x 64.1 x 2.5 cm (25 1/4 x 25 1/4 x 1 in.). This roundel, which originally decorated a curtain, displays a perfectly interlaced knot that was believed to provide protection from harm. Two interlacing squares form an eight-pointed star whose points are connected by an undulating strand. An extra linen weft forms the entire knot pattern on the rich purple wool ground.