Carrying Cloth Possibly 1476 - 1532

This Carrying Cloth was made by the Inca people, its date of creation is unknown. It’s woven, probably from wool or cotton, and is a prime example of the textile traditions of the Andes. The cloth’s tight weave shows great skill. Look closely and you’ll see rows of abstract figures alternating with checkered patterns. These designs weren't just decorative; they held symbolic meaning within the Inca culture. The act of weaving was highly significant, with textiles serving as status symbols, tribute payments, and records of cultural knowledge. Creating cloth was labor-intensive, involving the entire community, from tending the animals for wool, to dyeing and spinning the fibers. The cloth embodies the collective effort and shared cultural values of Inca society. Paying attention to materials, making, and cultural context helps us appreciate the skill and artistry embedded in this object, and how this textile connects to broader issues of labor, value, and community.