Fragment
1000-1476
Medium
Cotton and wool (camelid), areas of single dovetailed tapestry weave and two-color complementary weft weave; extended ground weft cut fringe; border of cross-knit loop stitches
Dimensions
52.7 × 30.5 cm (20 3/4 × 12 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
85185
Art Historical Context
This exquisite textile fragment, dating from 1000 to 1476, hails from the Andean region of South America, where weaving reached extraordinary heights of artistry. Crafted from cotton and camelid wool—likely alpaca or vicuña—the piece measures a modest 52.7 × 30.5 cm but exemplifies the technical mastery of pre-Columbianavers. Though the artist remains unknown, such fragments often survived from garments, burial shrouds, or ceremonial objects, preserved in arid tombs. The fragment showcases sophisticated techniques: areas of single dovetailed tapestry weave create seamless, vibrant patterns wi...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...