Border fragment
1000-1476
Medium
Fancy compound cloth. Warp: s-spun tightly twisted; s-spun, two, ply, all cotton. Weft: cotton in pairs; one s-spun and one z-spun.
Dimensions
113 × 11.4 cm (44 1/2 × 4 1/2 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
85239
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Border fragment* from Huacho, Peru, dates to the Late Intermediate Period (1000–1476 CE), a time when coastal Andean cultures like the Chancay flourished. Likely produced in the Chancay region near modern Lima, these textiles were masterful expressions of pre-Columbian weaving artistry. At 113 × 11.4 cm, this narrow strip would have adorned the edges of garments,les, or ceremonial cloths, showcasing the society's reverence for fine craftsmanship. Crafted in "fancy compound cloth"— sophisticated technique using all-cotton yarns—the warp features tightly twisted s-spun threads, ...