Fragment
1000-1476
Medium
Cotton and wool (camelid), plain weave with inserts of slit and single dovetailed tapestry weave with interlaced and wrapping outlining wefts
Dimensions
36.2 × 16.5 cm (14 1/4 × 6 1/2 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
85242
Art Historical Context
This exquisite textile fragment, dating from 1000 to 1476, hails from the ancient Andes, where masterful weaving traditions flourished among cultures like the Chimú and early Inca. Crafted from and wool derived from camelids—such as llamas or alpacas—the piece measures a modest 36.2 × 16.5 cm, suggesting it is a surviving remnant of a larger garment, banner, or ritual object. These fibers were ideal for the region's harsh climates, offering durability, warmth, and vibrant dye potential that symbolized status and cosmology. The fragment showcases sophisticated techniques: a plain weave foundat...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...