Fragment Possibly 1000 - 1476

This fragment was woven by the Tiwanaku people. The textile is a fragment, made from natural fibers, woven with a simple over-under interlacing. Notice the vertical blue stripes, created by dyed fibers strategically placed in the weft. The evenness of the weave speaks to the weaver's skill, maintaining consistent tension and rhythm. This controlled process, combined with the carefully chosen colors, suggests the importance of the finished textile within Tiwanaku society. Textiles in the Andes were more than just cloth, and this fragment would have been highly valuable. The process of turning raw fibers into a woven structure demands time and expertise, and it is work that holds cultural significance. Weaving traditions are passed down through generations, and patterns often carry symbolic meaning. The social status of textiles also means that distinctions between art and craft, as we understand them today, simply did not apply. The value of this fragment is that it gives us tangible insight into the lives and skills of its makers.