Mantle 600 - 800

This is a mantle made by the Wari culture, and currently held at the Art Institute of Chicago. The immediate visual experience is dominated by a grid-like composition, where alternating squares in muted reds, greens, and blacks create a complex, rhythmic pattern. Each square is adorned with small, diamond-shaped figures, arranged in diagonal rows. The formal structure of this mantle invites us to consider the principles of semiotics and structuralism. The repetition of the diamond motif acts as a signifier, which when combined with the colors can tell us something about cultural identity. The grid itself represents a structure, a framework through which meaning is produced. Consider how the mantle's texture plays a role. The tactile quality enhances its visual appeal, creating a multi-sensory experience. The interplay between the abstract geometric forms and the tangible materiality challenges our perception of space and representation, inviting a continuous dialogue. Ultimately, this mantle encourages an ongoing exploration of the dynamic relationship between form, culture, and interpretation.