Chancay Textile Fragment

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

Fabulous Chancay textile fragment from the wrappings of a mummy bundle or tunic, featuring intricate geometric motifs along with stylized feline heads and wavy tails. The fragment is composed of two parts and retains vivid hues of golden brown, dark reddish brown, and light yellow—testament to the durability of Chancay dyeing techniques and materials.

The Chancay are celebrated for their extraordinary mastery of textiles, which were vital in expressing status, identity, and spiritual meaning. Their artisans specialized in delicate gauze work and utilized a wide spectrum of colors, including yellows, scarlet, browns, whites, blues, and greens. Fabrics were commonly made from llama wool, cotton, chiffon, and even feathers.

Chancay textile designs often incorporated stylized depictions of animals—such as fish, cats, birds, monkeys, and dogs—as well as plants and human figures, often arranged in geometric patterns. These textiles, especially gauze works, served ritual and magical purposes. They were commonly fashioned into headdresses to cover the heads of the deceased. In line with their funerary customs, the Chancay wrapped their dead in multiple layers of cloth and buried them with grave goods, highlighting the sacred role of textiles in their cultural and spiritual practices.

Good condition. Age-related wear, loose threads, tears, and holes. Stains, soil and dust. Sizes approx. 14,0cm x 6,5cm and 12,0cm x 7,5cm.

Provenance: Swedish private collection