3951

Antique Peru Needlework Paracas Mantle Textile,

Culture: Nazca Cotton camelid fiber

This extraordinarily complex mantle, or cloak, is one of the most renowned Andean textiles in the world. It was most likely used as a ceremonial object. The ninety figures decorating the border, created by needle knitting, have been interpreted as a microcosm of life on Peru’s South Coast two thousand years ago, with a particular focus on agriculture. Many figures may represent humans impersonating gods and acting as intermediaries between the real and supernatural worlds. Severed human trophy heads are shown as germinating seeds, suggesting the practice of ritual sacrifice and the interconnected cycles of birth and death
100 - 300 C.E.
Size 63" x 7"

Top are Detail Images

Provenance:

Doungals Dawson Gallery