1983.W.2229 Tunic with alternating stylized birds (Peru, central coast?)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This elaborate tunic consists of two panels seamed together at the center. The sleeves and collar are finished with supplemental embroidered edges. The stripes are vertical with three decorated bands on either side separated by thin stripes of blue, yellow, green, and red. The decorated bands portray alternating diagonal rows of bird forms and simple heads, possibly feline with pointed ears.
2006.27 Tunic with stepped triangles and birds in medallions (Peru, central coast)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This tunic displays four pairs of natural brown and cream camelid fiber fields linked together through red, brown, and yellow zigzags, which all angle downward from the same direction. Crenulated diamond-shaped medallions in the upper and lower fields feature double-headed sea birds with marked eyes flanked by triangles.
1989.W.2433 Tunic (Peru, central coast)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This striped tunic presents a local highland tunic style worn during the Late Horizon (1400-1532 CE). Almost identical tunics were woven with both camelid fiber and cotton and thus likely pertain to coastal valleys. The neckline and edges are simple, with a short fringe along the base. The technique used to create the base of this tunic, however, was relatively complex.
1976.W.2062 Small dress (Peru, Inka)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This small textile served as a dress for either a young Inca (Inka) female or a figurine. The textile features wide cream and red bands with blue stripes, as well as red, blue, and yellow designs. These colors and zigzag designs with circles were common to elite Inca textiles. A larger dress of near identical composition was recovered from the south-central coast site of Pachacamac.
1991.373 Mantle or carrying cloth (awayo) (Bolivia, 20th century)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Weaving remains a specialized art in the Andes, with the continued production of vibrant patterned ponchos, mantles, carrying cloths, and hats, as well as slings and coca bags (chuspa).
1952.43.22 Staff of office, Chieftain's Vara Stick (Peru (southern highlands), 20th century)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This tall staff is made from a hard wood and ornamented with brass and iron sheet metal at the cap and along the shaft at even intervals. The metal cap is decorated with an animate sun at the top, as well as a flowering vase and a Latin cross around the sides.
1976.W.2015 Mantle (Peru, Chancay)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This well-preserved mantle exhibits gray-blue, brown, and cream cotton stripes and figural patterns. The bands were composed through different techniques—plain weave, double-cloth, and floating warps—and were combined together for the final mantle. The social value of the textile is enhanced through the incorporation of dyed camelid fiber on each corner.
1988.45 Sleeved tunic (Peru, Chancay)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This late Chancay tunic is a stunning testament of Andean weaving. The waist-high length, long sleeves, and waistband are typical of the Andean coast, with decorative strips of double-bodied birds reflecting Chancay style. The vertical bands of birds alternate with paired blocks that bear diagonal frets angled obliquely from the tunic midpoint.
2003.28 Bottle with reclining feline and openwork band (Peru, south coast?)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This vessel reflects the influence of Inca imperial expansion on coastal ceramic styles.