Fragment
1000-1476
Medium
Two panels joined: cotton and wool (camelid), slit and single dovetailed tapestry weave with eccentric and wrapping outlining wefts; one panel embroidered with laced running stitches
Dimensions
60.3 × 14 cm (23 3/4 × 5 1/2 in.)
Classification
weaving
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
85370
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
The central scene woven into this panel displays a bird-headed anthropomorphic figure with a crescent-shaped headdress, possibly representing the otherworldly figure known as the Sicán Deity or a human impersonator of this legendary leader of the Lambayeque. In this depiction, the figure holds a ceremonial knife, called a tumi, and is engaged in a brutal ritual human sacrifice, likely a decapitation. Another victim hangs by a long rope wrapped around his neck. The borders and horizontal bands of...