Headband Possibly 800 - 1100

This woven headband, made by the Wari people, embodies the complex social and cultural values of the ancient Andes. As an object of adornment, this headband holds an important place in the expression of identity. Worn during life rituals, it signaled social status and affiliations. The geometric and zoomorphic designs woven into the fabric have deep symbolic meanings, reflecting the Wari’s spiritual beliefs and their relationship with the natural world. These patterns, repeated and refined, acted as a visual language connecting individuals to their community and ancestors. The Wari civilization, which thrived from about 500 to 1000 AD in the highlands of what is now Peru, were master weavers. Textiles were so valued that they served as a form of currency and tribute. Weaving was a communal activity, especially for women, providing them a means of cultural expression. Looking at this headband, consider the hands that created it, the stories it carries, and the lives it touched. It serves as a reminder of the enduring human desire to express identity, history, and belonging through art.