Artwork Page for Headcloth

Details / Information for Headcloth

Headcloth

c. 600–400 BCE

Peru, South Coast, Paracas, Middle Period, c. 600-400 BC

(Early Horizon, Epoch 10)
Medium
embroidery on tabby cloth; needle reseau and fringe at border
Measurements
Overall: 40.7 x 182.9 cm (16 x 72 in.)
Credit Line
The Norweb Collection 1940.529
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

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

Description

The embroidered design consists entirely of felines, some of which are depicted with trophy heads. Both are very common motifs of Paracas art. The linear and highly stylized design as well as the limited spectrum of colors are characteristic of Paracas embroideries from the Middle Period.
A horizontally long piece of plain-weave cloth is embroidered with alternating vertical bands of dark brown and dense, reddish-brown needlework. Within these sections, intricate patterns create complex, stylized figures that repeat across the surface. A fine, frayed fringe borders the top and bottom edges. The textile appears aged and worn, with uneven ends and scattered areas of loss, particularly on the left, highlighting its delicate, historic texture.

Headcloth

c. 600–400 BCE

Peru, South Coast, Paracas, Middle Period, c. 600-400 BC (Early Horizon, Epoch 10)

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