Object Notes

Obsidian was used by the Mixtecs not only to make razor sharp instruments of death and sacrifice, but also was drilled and polished to produce delicate ornaments.

Prestige was conveyed not only through finely woven textiles, such as tunics, mantles, and headdresses, but also through facial and bodily ornaments. In particular, ear ornaments were common status markers in the Andes for over 3,000 years. By the Late Horizon (1400-1532 CE), golden ear ornaments were worn exclusively by the Inca under their imperial control.

Prestige was conveyed not only through finely woven textiles, such as tunics, mantles, and headdresses, but also through facial and bodily ornaments. In particular, ear ornaments were common status markers in the Andes for over 3,000 years. Nose ornaments were also popular from the Early Horizon (900-200 BCE), varying in size and elaboration.

Prestige was conveyed not only through finely woven textiles, such as tunics, mantles, and headdresses, but also through facial and bodily ornaments. In particular, ear ornaments were common status markers in the Andes for over 3,000 years. Nose ornaments were popular from the Early Horizon (900-200 BCE), varying in size and elaboration.

This impressive tunic is an unusually long example from the north coast of Peru. The vertical stripes are composed of cream and gray-blue cotton, woven in double cloth and floating warps. The latter create the color alternation across the stripes and through the incorporated designs. Small brocaded birds enhance this patterned layout, which is differentiated across the two halves of the tunic.