Artwork Page for Fragment of Embroidered Cloth

Details / Information for Fragment of Embroidered Cloth

Fragment of Embroidered Cloth

c. 300–100 BCE

Peru, South Coast, Paracas, Late Period

Medium
embroidery on plain wool ground
Measurements
Average: 100.3 x 139.1 cm (39 1/2 x 54 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
The Norweb Collection 1940.528
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

Extremely dry conditions on Peru's desert coast allow for the extraordinary preservation of textiles.

Description

The repetition of a nonmythical figure, in this case a warrior holding spears and a trophy head, was one of the important innovations of Paracas textile design during the Late Paracas period. The trophy head cult was an essential aspect of crop fertility and was, therefore, a focal point of Paracas art in general.
A horizontally long, dark brown wool textile features rows of repeating geometric, human-like figures in alternating upright and inverted positions. Embroidered with muted red, yellow, black, and cream, these figures have large eyes and tiered crowns, each holding a staff and a trophy head. Facing both left and right, the rhythmic pattern covers the fragmented surface. Frayed edges and holes mark the plain ground across the textile.

Fragment of Embroidered Cloth

c. 300–100 BCE

Peru, South Coast, Paracas, Late Period

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork