Artwork Page for Loincloth

Details / Information for Loincloth

Loincloth

1425–1500 (radiocarbon date, 92.3% probability)

Peru, North Coast, Chimú style, 1200–1460s

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Medium
cotton; plain weave, brocaded and complex alternating gauze with 5 shots of plain weave between gauze shots
Measurements
Overall: 151.1 x 57.2 cm (59 1/2 x 22 1/2 in.); Mounted: 167.6 x 71.1 cm (66 x 28 in.)
Credit Line
Norman O. Stone and Ella A. Stone Memorial Fund 2005.5.2
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

This loincloth is huge!

Description

Loincloths were basic men’s wear in ancient Peru. But the extraordinary size of some examples—this one is about eight feet long, unfolded—makes it difficult to know how they were worn, except that they were tied around the waist with the decorated panels hanging at the front and back of the body. The appearance may have been that of a billowing skirt.
A cream cotton loincloth laid out with a central rectangular section features a checkered section at the top and bottom. The pattern is created by densely woven, solid beige squares alternating with loosely woven squares showing through to the textile. The two sections are connected by a slightly narrower, gauzy cloth. A narrow, gauzy band four times the central piece's width runs across the top, ending in checkered patterns on either side.

Loincloth

1425–1500 (radiocarbon date, 92.3% probability)

Peru, North Coast, Chimú style, 1200–1460s

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