Fragment 1000 - 1476

This woven fragment was created by an artist from the Chancay culture in Peru. It's made from painted plain-weave cotton. The textile features rows of stylized figures, possibly birds or mythical creatures, arranged between horizontal bands. Understanding this fragment requires looking into the social fabric of the Chancay people, who thrived between 1000 and 1400 AD, in a coastal desert environment. Their textiles, often found in burial sites, were not just functional items but also carriers of cultural meaning. By studying the motifs, materials, and techniques used, archaeologists and art historians piece together insights into their beliefs, social structures, and artistic conventions. Researching museum collections, archaeological reports, and anthropological studies is crucial to interpret the significance of such fragments. The meaning of art is always contingent on its original social and institutional context.