Panel 1000 - 1476

This panel was woven with cotton by the Chancay people, a pre-Columbian culture from the central coast of Peru. The Chancay flourished from about 1000 to 1450 AD, a period marked by distinct textile traditions. What we see here is more than mere decoration. The stylized birds and geometric shapes carry symbolic weight, reflecting the Chancay worldview. Textiles were highly valued and were used as offerings, garments, and markers of social status. The act of weaving itself was deeply entwined with gender roles, with women typically responsible for textile production. Consider that the imagery and techniques used were passed down through generations, embodying a collective identity. The panel invites us to contemplate the skill and artistry of the Chancay weavers. It also prompts us to reflect on how these art forms sustained cultural memory.