Chancay Textile Fragment

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

This lovely small-sized Chancay textile fragment, likely from the wrappings of a mummy bundle or tunic, features a plain woven textile in a beautiful golden brownish-red color. Despite its age, the vivid tones remain striking, reflecting the rich natural dyes used by Chancay weavers.

The Chancay culture is renowned for its exceptional textile craftsmanship, which served as a vital form of symbolism, conveying meaning related to status, gender, wealth, and spirituality. Chancay weavers were particularly skilled in delicate gauze work, incorporating a wide range of colors, including yellows, browns, scarlet, white, blues, and greens. Materials used in the creation of these textiles included llama wool, cotton, chiffon, and feathers.

The geometric designs often found in these textiles included motifs of plants, animals—such as fish, cats, birds, monkeys, and dogs—and human figures. Textiles, especially gauzes, were primarily used for religious and ceremonial purposes, including covering the head of the deceased in the form of headdresses. In keeping with Chancay burial practices, the dead were wrapped in multiple layers of cloth, which were often buried alongside various grave goods, emphasizing the cultural and spiritual significance of textiles within their society.

Moderate condition. Fragment as shown. Age-related wear. Loose threads, tears and holes. Stains, dirt and dust. Size approx. 12,5cm x 8,0cm

Provenance: Swedish private collection