Chancay Textile Fragments

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

A set of beautiful Chancay textile fragments, likely once part of a mummy bundle or tunic, showcasing the rich textile heritage of this coastal Andean culture. Despite their age, the fragments retain traces of vivid color and intricate patterning, reflecting the Chancay’s sophisticated approach to textile design.

The Chancay civilization is especially renowned for its mastery of textile arts, which played a vital role in expressing identity, status, gender, and spiritual beliefs. Their weavers excelled in producing fine gauze textiles, using materials such as llama wool, cotton, and occasionally incorporating chiffon or feathers. The Chancay palette ranged from earthy browns and yellows to vivid scarlets, blues, whites, and greens.

Decorative motifs were primarily geometric but also included stylized depictions of animals—such as cats, birds, fish, monkeys, and dogs—as well as plant forms and human figures. Many of these textiles were intended for ceremonial use, including burial rites. Bodies were often wrapped in layers of finely woven cloth and buried with various goods, while special gauze weavings were used as headdresses to cover the heads of the dead for ritual and magical purposes.

These fragments provide a poignant glimpse into the ceremonial and artistic life of the Chancay, preserving the enduring beauty and symbolism of their woven legacy.

Good condition. Age-related wear. Loose threads and tears. Stains, soil, dirt and dust. Size approx. 29,0cm x 3,0cm and 8,0cm x 9,0cm.

Provenance: Swedish private collection.