The Testimony of Hands

64.36.1
64.36.1, fringed textile
Unknown fiber
Coast of Peru
Chancay(?) culture (A.D. 800–1530)
Gift of Julius Carlebach
Photographs by B. Bernard.

Peru's ancient weavers were among the best in the world. This example from the Chancay (?) culture still has some of its original colors, despite being at least five centuries old. The entire piece measures 100 by 86 centimeters (39 by 34 inches). The next two photographs show details of the weaving.


64.36.1, fringe  64.36.1, feline


Many such textiles were wrapped around the dead prior to their burial in the desert sand, and were preserved by the extreme dryness of the Peruvian coast. Sadly, most examples were looted.

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