Ceremonial Mantle
Sihuas Valley, Nasca region, Peru
200 B.C. - 400 A.D.?
Design: This style of textile from the Sihuas valley is currently under study and many interpretations are under offer. One connects the figure to the "Nasca lines" that are found in the same area and to which it bears a strong resemblance. The "lines" in turn are thought to have a relationship to the extensive irrigation systems that made life in this dry valley possible. Another theory relates this to the "sun" image that has an architectural basis, representing layouts of pyramids or other structures, with labyrinths, ramps and corridors. Further hypothesis relates this style to the "occulate being" or lightning and thunder god whose incorporeal face coiffed with snakes is well known in pre-columbian art. While its meaning may not yet be known it cannot be denied that this was an object that was meant to impress. This example has a brilliant range of colors and particularly subtle variations in the blue and green ground.
Technique: Plain weave, discontinuous warp and weft, pieces reassembled with warps dovetailed and weft slits sewn. Camelid fibers.
Dimensions: 4' 4" x 6' 1" ( 1.32 x 1.85 m )
Condition: Very good. There is some surface dirt and there are some small breaks and holes, all very minor. A few areas in the white have been rewoven at some point. It has been washed.
#14740
