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 headcloths for women. This exemplifies the Andean values placed on essence over appearance.