Small Mantle Segment

c.300 BC, Paracas culture, 12 x 13 cm

PH0122

Almost originated concurrently with the Chavin civilisation, the Paracas foreshadows some of the most celebrated styles in the latter period, such as Nazca, Wari and Chancay.

Centralising on a hybrid creation of three widely revered motifs— the mythical being “the Oculate,” the “ecstatic shaman” and the “staff-bearing feline”, this mini textile’s intensity of stitchings and the vividness of colour presents us the sense of awe and ecstasy in the An- des’ ritualistic vision.