Fragment Possibly 1000 - 1476

This woven fragment, made by the Chancay people, offers a glimpse into the art and symbolism of pre-Columbian Peru. The Chancay civilization, which flourished from around 1000 to 1450 AD near modern-day Lima, were known for their textiles, often found in burial sites. The fragment displays a striking contrast between light and dark panels, populated by stylized animal figures. Notice the repeated motifs of birds, and feline-like creatures. These are not mere decorations. Animals held significant symbolic meaning, often associated with power, fertility, or the connection between the earthly and spiritual realms. Weaving was a deeply gendered practice, primarily done by women, and the creation of such textiles was not only an artistic act but also a social and spiritual one. Consider how this fragment, once part of a larger textile, embodies a complex interplay of artistic expression, gender roles, and cultural beliefs. It serves as a powerful reminder of the sophisticated societies that thrived in the Americas long before European contact.