Final answer:
The clavi in Byzantine fashion evolved from Roman styles, incorporating intercultural and commercial influences, including pseudo-Arabic motifs. It reflected the artistic blend and profound connections within the evolving Byzantine culture, while still maintaining a link to the Roman past.
Step-by-step explanation:
The clavi in Byzantine attire, as opposed to when the Romans wore it, underwent a transformation reflective of the broader changes in sartorial and artistic trends. In the Byzantine Empire, clothing including the clavi was influenced by intercultural artistic and commercial connections.
This included the incorporation of foreign motifs such as pseudo-Arabic, as well as a synergy between the artistry of the past Roman Empire and the evolving Byzantine culture, which can be seen in the ornate jewelry and clothing from the period.
Byzantine fashion depicted in art and surviving clothing items shows intricate designs and a blend of cultural influences resulting in slight modifications to traditional Roman styles, such as the finer carving and textiles associated with Constantinopolitan workshops.
Artistic decisions in Byzantine society often conveyed deeper meanings, such as the use of classicism to evoke a sense of continuity with the great emperors of the past or to symbolize spiritual concepts, exemplified by the persistence of the clavi and the evolution of its design.
Despite the political and territorial shifts, these fashion elements served to create links between the Byzantine and the Roman eras, showcasing a gradual transition that was both subtle and significant.