Chancay Textile Fragment

Pre-Columbian era, Chancay culture, 1000–1470AD, Peru

This fascinating small-sized Chancay textile fragment, likely part of the wrappings of a mummy bundle or tunic, offers a glimpse into the vibrant textile traditions of the Chancay culture. Despite signs of wear, the piece retains its vivid golden brown, burgundy, dark moss green, and light emerald green tones, showcasing the durability of the dyes used by the Chancay weavers.

The Chancay civilization is renowned for its advanced textile work, which conveyed meaning related to status, wealth, spirituality, and gender. Weaving was an essential practice, with Chancay artisans specializing in delicate gauze techniques. They employed a broad range of colors, including yellows, browns, scarlet, white, blues, and greens, and worked with materials such as llama wool, cotton, chiffon, and feathers.

The textile designs were typically geometric but also featured motifs representing plants, animals—such as fish, cats, birds, monkeys, and dogs—and human figures. These textiles were primarily used for religious and magical purposes, particularly for covering the heads of the deceased as headdresses. Following their burial customs, the Chancay wrapped their dead in numerous layers of cloth, often accompanied by a variety of grave goods. This fragment is a remarkable example of the cultural and spiritual significance of Chancay textiles in their burial rituals.

Moderate condition. Fragment as shown. Age-related heavy wear. Loose threads, tears and holes. Stains, soil, dirt and dust. Sizes approx. 7,0cm x 4,0cm.

Provenance: Swedish private collection