Fragment Possibly 1000 - 1476

This textile fragment was created by the Chancay people of Peru. The woven cotton, with its earthy brown hues, presents a study in geometric abstraction. The eye is immediately drawn to the mirrored avian figures, each enclosed within a square frame. Notice the rows of smaller, stylized motifs that line the top and bottom, creating a rhythmic pattern that grounds the composition. The structure of the textile emphasizes a tension between representation and abstraction. The bird-like figures, though suggestive of natural forms, are rendered in a highly stylized manner. This abstraction invites us to consider the underlying symbolic order through which the Chancay people perceived their world. The textile challenges our understanding of fixed categories and meanings, and proposes that we should see it as a dynamic interplay between form and cultural context. Consider how the texture of the woven cotton adds another layer to the visual experience. It’s a tactile reminder of the artist’s process, and how the structure of the piece embodies complex cultural and philosophical ideas.