Artwork Page for Mantle

Details / Information for Mantle

Mantle

c. 300 BCE–200 CE

Peru, South Coast, Paracas (Cavernas) style

Medium
camelid fiber: plain weave with embroidery
Measurements
Overall: 154.9 x 292.1 cm (61 x 115 in.); Mounted: 162.6 x 299.7 cm (64 x 118 in.)
Credit Line
The Norweb Collection 1946.226
Public Domain
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Location
232 Andean
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Did You Know?

The profusion and decoration of textiles in Paracas burials shows the value placed on cloth.

Description

Buried in shaft-tombs, or rectangular sunken chambers, the Paracas dead were wrapped in layers of cloth and accompanied by pottery, food, and other offerings. The dry environment of the Paracas Peninsula helped preserve many of these textiles, including richly ornamented garments buried with important individuals. This mantle, probably worn like a cloak, relates closely to the tunic (CMA 1946.227) and long headband (CMA 1946.228) due to their shared imagery. Its double-headed bird motifs— embroidered in vivid red, blue, yellow, and green yarns—likely had symbolic significance, although the specific meaning remains unknown.
A woven camelid fiber horizontal rectangle features a dark green central field with rows of repeating boxy, abstract figures in muted red and tan. A wide border of larger dark red rectangular blocks, filled with intricate geometric patterns, frames the central composition. The entire piece is finished with a dark red fringe. Irregular holes and frayed missing sections on the left reveal the underlying material and significant signs of wear from age.

Mantle

c. 300 BCE–200 CE

Peru, South Coast, Paracas (Cavernas) style

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