Fragment Possibly 1000 - 1476

This woven fragment was created by an artist of the Chancay culture in ancient Peru. Textiles like this one were more than just decoration, they were a vital part of Chancay society. The Chancay people lived in a coastal desert environment, where cotton grew well. The arid climate also helped preserve textiles, so weaving became a primary mode of artistic expression, social communication, and economic production. The images on textiles can tell us about the beliefs and social structure of the Chancay. The stylized figures of humans, animals, and mythical beings aren't just pretty patterns, they are visual codes that communicate meaning within their culture. The quality of the weaving and the complexity of the designs often reflected the status of the person who commissioned or wore them. Archaeological records, colonial chronicles, and museum collections hold more pieces of the puzzle. Together, they help us understand the social conditions that gave rise to this beautiful, complex art.