Fragment (Band) Possibly 1000 - 1532

This woven fragment was made by the Ica people of Peru, and it is made with the technique of tapestry weaving. The design is composed of geometric patterns and stripes in rich, earthy tones of brown, blue, and cream. The central band features a complex series of interlocking diamonds and zigzags, created by carefully interlacing different colored threads to form the pattern. When you look closely at the weave, you can imagine the incredible amount of work that would have gone into the making of this piece. Using a loom, the weaver would have had to meticulously lift and lower individual warp threads, passing the weft threads through to build up the design, row by row. This slow process imbues the work with a sense of time and labor, and a deep connection to cultural traditions. By appreciating the making of this band, we can move beyond simply considering its surface aesthetic and understand its full significance as a cultural artifact.