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The Royal Mantle of Roger II
Roger II's elaborate royal mantle bears the date 528 of the Islamic calendar (1133–34), therefore it could not have been used for his coronation. This lavish item made for special events to show power and regality. It was most likely worn as a symbol of the Norman's victory and new dynasty in Sicily. It was later used as coronation cloak by the Holy Roman Emperors and is now in the Imperial Treasury (Schatzkammer) in Vienna.

The Mantle of Roger II is an example of the Norman's multicultural court and a mark of trade in Palermo. It is a luxury object made from red silk imported from the Byzantine Empire, it's outer panels are embellished with gold embroidery, pearls, enamel and jewels. The lining panels are separated into five sections made from three separate silks, each was woven with gold. The pearls are from the Arabian Gulf, with thousands outlining each section of the embroidery. Pearls were a common decoration on pan-Mediterranean textiles, however pearls were also used and admired on clothing by the Byzantine Empire. The enameled surfaces are also attributed to the Byzantine Empire, as they had many craftsmen specializing in this type of work. The gold embroidery was most likely created by Muslim craftsmen, given the tiraz bands, the Arabic text in calligraphy, and Kufic script. This piece was made in a private royal workshop, dedicated to creating tiraz fabric and other royal garments. It is one of the only surviving mementos of Fatimid style royal garb, preserved in its entirety.

The inscription, written in the tiraz band along the bottom of the piece states, "Here is what was created in the princely treasury, filled with luck, illustration, majesty, perfection, longanimity, superiority, welcome, prosperity, liberality, shine, pride, beauty, the achievement of desires and hopes, the pleasure of days and nights, without cease or change, with glory, devotion, preservation, protection, chance, salvation, victory and capability, in the capital of Sicily, in the year 528 H. [1133-1134]' This mantle was made to promote status, bring the wearer good fortune, and emphasize Roger II's regal power.

The imagery on the mantle is very striking as it is meant to exemplify Roger II's power and victory over the previous dynasty. It is an example of heraldry, specifically with lions being symbolic of a powerful, male ruler. The two lions, separated by a central palm tree, are each attacking a camel. This scene evokes a feeling of domination through it's display of primal violence. The sense of drama taking place in this piece, alongside of the decoration and color used to create it makes the mantle a spectacular article of clothing. These lions are addorsed, designed stylistically instead of a more realistic portrayal. There are also calls to the cosmos and constellations from the star shapes on the lion's heads. The mantle's pan-Mediterranean influence is brought out in the materials used to create it, the way it was made, and its design.