Textile
About this object
History of use
This thick, coarse cloth may be part of a funerary shroud (Sawyer, fig. 62). The yarn spin and plain weave are standard for central coast (Rowe). The design shows some Chimu influence (p.c., A. Sawyer) and so may date to the latter part of the Late Intermediate Period when the north coast Chimu spread to the central coast.
Iconographic meaning
The hooks and diagonal rows of triangles probably derive from serpents. The bird and serpent combination is the most frequent design on textiles and appears to have a special relationship to fabrics.
Physical description
Rectangular textile fragment with brown painted interlocking birds, hooks and triangles arranged in diagonal rows on an off-white plain weave cotton. One weft selvedge present and 3 cut edges. Z-spun, 2 plied s yarns.
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Materials