1970.20.McD Tunic with animal figure (Peru, Nasca)

The Nazca (Nasca) created textiles with a vibrant array of colors, similar to their ceramic arts, and refined this palette from the Early Intermediate Period (200 BCE-600 CE) through the Middle Horizon (600-1000 CE). This tunic reflects abstract and geometric motifs in alternating primary colors. It portrays animal figures with demarcated eyes, short limbs, and curled tails. Typical of late Nazca art, the abstract figures are set off with white tips and dark outlines. The dynamic fringe along the base was a popular feature that continued throughout ancient Andean cultural history.

Kimberly L. Jones, PhD, Inca: Conquests of the Andes / Los Incas y las conquistas de los Andes, Label text [1989.W.2252; 1976.W.2082; 1970.20.McD], 2015.

Nazca (Nasca): AAT: 300017290

Peru (nation): TGN: 1000056

Nazca: TGN: 7033105

textiles (visual works): AAT: 300014063

textile materials: AAT: 300231565

camelidae (camelid) fiber: AAT: 300310434

weaving: AAT: 300053642

plain weave (process): AAT: 300312167

tabby (process): AAT: 300312167

warp: AAT: 300227930

weft: AAT: 300227934

tapestry (process): AAT: 300061981

interlocked tapestry: AAT: 300228526

fringe (trimming): AAT: 300227830

Middle Horizon Period: AAT: 300017300

tunics (main garments): AAT: 300209869

red (color): AAT: 300126225

blue (color): AAT: 300129361

yellow (color): AAT: 300127794

black (color): AAT: 300130920

white (color): AAT: 300129784

geometric motifs: AAT: 300009764

stripes: AAT: 300010230

zigzags (geometric patterns): AAT: 300165028

squares (geometric figures): AAT: 300055637

figures (representations): AAT: 300189808

animals: DMA

Until 1970: Edward L. Shaw, Buenos Aires, Argentina [1]

From 1970: Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, The Eugene and Margaret McDermott Art Fund, Inc., purchased from the above [1], [2], [3]

[1] The main source for this provenance is Acquisition Record (dated September 16, 1970), copy in Dallas Museum of Art Collections Records Object File, Confidential). Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted.

[2] The name of the Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, founded in 1933, was changed to the Dallas Museum of Art in 1983.

[3] Works of art given or purchased by The Eugene and Margaret McDermott Art Fund, Inc., a non-profit organization, are placed in the custody of the DMA for the purpose of public display on the premises of the Museum or in other recognized art galleries or museum. The title to all works of art purchased (or otherwise acquired) by the McDermott Art Fund remains with the Fund.

Apply to objects where number equals 1970.20.McD