Fragment 900 - 1470

This woven fragment by the Chancay people presents a rich interplay of geometric and figurative forms. The composition is structured around horizontal bands, framing two stylized figures set against contrasting grounds of muted purples and browns, engaging the viewer through color and texture. The figures themselves, rendered in ochre and red, exhibit a compelling symmetry with arms outstretched and legs forming a ‘K’ shape, creating a balanced yet dynamic tension. Flanking each figure are geometric motifs, evoking a sense of spatial depth and rhythm, which function as symbolic markers. The overall effect is an interplay between representation and abstraction. Consider the relationship between figure and ground here – how does the texture of the weave interact with the depicted forms? The textile’s structure itself becomes a signifier, inviting us to decode the patterns and understand how it challenges fixed meanings and expands the possibilities of visual language.