Pre-Columbian

ITEM: Textile fragment MATERIAL: Wool and cotton CULTURE: Pre-Columbian, Peru PERIOD: 11th - 15th Century A.D DIMENSIONS: 190 mm x 210 mm CONDITION: Good condition PROVENANCE: Ex German private collection, A.K.H., acquired between 1980 to 2007 Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export license This remarkable Pre-Columbian textile fragment, dating from approximately 1000 to 1400 A.D., offers a compelling glimpse into the sophisticated textile traditions of Late Intermediate Period Mesoamerica and the Andean region. During this vibrant era—marked by the rule of dominant cultures such as the Chimú, late Chancay, and early Inca ancestral groups—textiles were far more than utilitarian garments; they served as primary mediums for political status, spiritual storytelling, and social identity. Hand-woven on traditional backstrap looms using finely spun camelid fibers (such as alpaca or llama wool) and native cotton, the fragment preserves the extraordinary craftsmanship and complex aesthetic sensibilities of its ancient weavers. Visually, the piece is defined by its striking geometric abstractions and highly stylized iconographic motifs. Common themes of this period include repeating animal forms—such as cosmic birds, felines, or marine creatures—intermingled with stepped frets, diagonal bands, and mirrored patterns. The master weavers achieved rich, resilient hues through natural dye processes derived from local minerals, cochineal insects, and plant extracts like indigo. These dynamic patterns reflected a deeply structured worldview, where balance, duality, and spatial harmony governed both artistic output and religious cosmology. Beyond its physical beauty, a preserved textile from this epoch represents an astounding survival against the passage of time. Made possible by the hyper-arid microclimates of coastal burial sites or careful ritual deposition, such fragments reveal crucial details about ancient trade networks, technological mastery, and ritual practices. Today, this artifact stands as a tangible link to the Andean and Mesoamerican past—an intricate work of fiber art that continues to captivate collectors, historians, and admirers of classical antiquity alike.

Estimate:£335.03

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