Fragment Possibly 1000 - 1476

"Fragment" is a textile created by the Chancay people of Peru sometime between 1000 and 1476 CE. The piece is a fragment of a larger cloth, and it features a stylized figure of a monkey with a distinctive round eye. The intricate design of the monkey is set within a square frame, bordered by a repeating geometric pattern and a band of stylized waves. The Chancay were known for their use of a distinct weaving technique, and this fragment showcases their mastery of textile art. This piece, now residing in The Art Institute of Chicago, offers a glimpse into the artistic traditions of the Chancay culture.