1media/Childrens Clothing and Protection in the Afterlife_thumb.jpg2020-03-24T20:59:58+00:00Elena Gittlemana967dcf121716f68925595dba3ac34f987e6418791plain2020-03-24T20:59:58+00:00Elena Gittlemana967dcf121716f68925595dba3ac34f987e64187
Child’s Tunic Egypt ca. 300–700 CE Wool Jefferson University, T&CC 1987.1.16 (A–E)
This child’s tunic has many features that ensured the wearer’s smooth transition into the afterlife. The color red was very popular in children’s clothing. It was associated with protection and typically appeared near the openings of the garment to keep out corruptive forces. Animals, including fish and chickens, cover the tunic. They could have been intended as symbols of abundance and well-being, which indicate hopes for prosperity. Alternately, these lively motifs may have been intended to delight the owner, such as a child who liked animals.
