Ancient textile from Italian Monastery may originate in Egypt
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Nuns at the Vallegloria Monastery in Spello, Italy, have a centuries-old textile that experts believe could be from Fatimid Egypt.
The artifact came to light during a ceremony attended by religious and civic leaders who announced a research and conservation project. Initial assessments suggest the fabric’s features align with textile production in Egypt during the 12th century, specifically the Fatimid period.
Local tradition claims Saint Francis of Assisi gifted the cloth to Blessed Balbina during a visit to Vallegloria, possibly connecting it to his 1219 journey to Egypt and a meeting with Sultan al-Malik al-Kamil. However, researchers will separate this story from verifiable historical and scientific evidence. The Superintendence of Archaeology for Umbria and the Opificio delle Pietre Dure in Florence will oversee the investigation and restoration.
They will examine the fabric’s materials, dyes, weaving techniques, and compare it to similar pieces in museums to determine its origin and age. Monsignor Felice Accrocca emphasized the need to reconcile passed-down stories with documented history, while Superintendent Francesca Valentini highlighted the importance of preserving both the physical artifact and the nuns’ long-standing care for it.
