15th Century & Earlier Framed Pre-Columbian Fine Textile Fragment from Chancay Culture

Details

Description

A piece of finely woven textile fragment from Chancay culture circa 10th-15th century, which thrived in the Central coast of … Read more A piece of finely woven textile fragment from Chancay culture circa 10th-15th century, which thrived in the Central coast of nowadays Peru until it was incorporated in Chimu culture, its northern neighbor. The fragment is likely part of a mantle shawl or tunic indicated by the overall size and the presence of tasseled border that have been mostly preserved with the piece. The textile was tightly woven from a wool or camelid fiber with a brilliant orange-red hue that showcase an iconic zigzag line with stylized inverted homomorphic head with horns. On the lower part above the wide hanging tassels, there are three thin bands: one in white and two in indigo blue (still quite bright after all these centuries) flanking a wider band with discernible geometrical motif. The fragment is conserved and sewed onto a white linen backing and framed under a plexiglass shadow box. Ready for display.
A wonderful example of the Chancay textile art.
For a nearly identical piece, see illustration 46 on plate 29 of Textile Masterpieces of Ancient Peru by James W. Reid. See less