Chancay Culture 1000-1470
Gauze with 14 Figures, Circa. 1000 AD
Camelid fibres
77 x 99 cm
30'3" x 38'9" in
30'3" x 38'9" in
CHA0007
Copyright of Paul Hughes Fine Arts
Further images
Chancay textiles are extraordinarily varied and are almost without exception executed in a virtuoso manner. From gauzes and openwork embroidery to painted plain weave and tapestry, the most challenging avenues...
Chancay textiles are extraordinarily varied and are almost without exception executed in a virtuoso manner. From gauzes and openwork embroidery to painted plain weave and tapestry, the most challenging avenues were explored. Openwork, ultimately derived from the ancient coastal fishing tradition of net making, reached new heights of lacy intricacy. On most gauze and openwork cloths, only the weaver could see the motifs during their creation because the threads pulled together when not under the tension of the loom. Hence, when the weaver removed the finished textile from the loom, its designs became illegible, especially if the piece was folded as in head cloths for women. This exemplifies the Andean values placed on essence over appearance.