Mummy Mask c. 200

This mummy mask was woven by the Paracas people of ancient Peru. Textiles, especially those used in burial rituals, were of central importance to Paracas culture. The high quality of this mask suggests the wealth and status of the individual it was made for. The mask displays a series of abstract anthropomorphic figures; we can see the conventions they have employed to create meaning. The dry desert climate of the Paracas Peninsula has allowed for the remarkable preservation of textiles like this one. They provide invaluable insight into the Paracas people's beliefs. To fully understand a piece like this, one needs to consult not only art historical sources, but also archaeological reports, and anthropological studies. Only then can we begin to understand the complex social and religious context that gave rise to this striking work of art.