1991.378 Textile band with figures holding crescent-shaped knives (Peru, Moche-Wari)

This textile band reflects the interaction of highland Huari (Wari) and coastal Moche along the coast. Typical of coastal production, the band was woven in dyed camelid fiber over cotton warps with slit tapestry weave. This discontinuous weave is clearly visible through the shifting colors. The technique afforded reduced consumption of precious camelid fiber, and it permitted a lighter weight fabric in the temperate zones. The imagery reflects coastal motifs, such as the warrior with crescent-shaped knife, stylized wave motifs, catfish heads, and seabirds from the north coast.

Kimberly L. Jones, PhD, Inca: Conquests of the Andes / Los Incas y las conquistas de los Andes, Label text [1978.2.McD; 1991.377; 1991.378], 2015.

Moche: AAT: 300017287

Wari (Huari): AAT: 300017283

Moche (river): TGN: 7016595

Wari (Huari): TGN: 1024536

Peru (nation): TGN: 1000056

textiles (visual works): AAT: 300014063

textile materials: AAT: 300231565

camelidae (camelid) fiber: AAT: 300310434

cotton (fiber): AAT: 300183670

weaving: AAT: 300053642

warp: AAT: 300227930

weft: AAT: 300227934

tapestry (process): AAT: 300061981

slit tapestry (process): AAT: 300228522

Middle Horizon Period: AAT: 300017300

bands (decorative): DMA

borders: AAT: 300010252

red (color): AAT: 300126225

blue (color): AAT: 300129361

yellow (color): AAT: 300127794

black (color): AAT: 300130920

white (color): AAT: 300129784

geometric motifs: AAT: 300009764

lines (geometric concept): AAT: 300056279

squares (geometric figures): AAT: 300055637

step pattern: AAT: 300010229

stepped frets (meanders (patterns)/motifs): AAT: 300010171

figures (representations): AAT: 300189808

profiles (figures): AAT: 300123319

warrior: AAT: 300261945

crescent (motif): AAT: 300165510

knives: AAT: 300024668

wave pattern: AAT: 300009936

fish (animals): AAT: 300266085

catfish (Siluriformes order): AAT: 300254559

birds (animals): AAT: 300266506

Until d. 1986: Nora (d. 1986) and John Wise, New York [1], [2], [3]

1986-1991: Silas R. Mountsier III, U.S. Trust Company of New York, executor, the estate of Nora Wise (d. 1986), by bequest [1], [2], [3]

From 1991: Dallas Museum of Art, gift of Silas R. Mountsier III in honor of Margaret McDermott [1], [2], [3]

[1] The main source for this provenance is Acquisition Record (dated December 31, 1991), copy in Dallas Museum of Art Collections Records Object File, Confidential). Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted.

[1] The main source for this provenance is Acquisition List (n.d.), copy in Dallas Museum of Art Collections Records Object File, Confidential). Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted.

[2] The main source for this provenance is Deed of Gift (dated December 24, 1991), copy in Dallas Museum of Art Collections Records Object File, Confidential). Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted.

Apply to objects where number equals 1991.378