Fragment (Band)

Wari

800 CE-1100

Fragment (Band) by Wari

Medium

Cotton and wool (camelid), tapestry weave with supplementary weft slit closure

Dimensions

34.9 × 9.2 cm (13 3/4 × 3 5/8 in.)

Classification

textile

Department

Textiles

Museum

Art Institute of Chicago

Accession Number

18461

Art Historical Context

This exquisite Fragment (Band) hails from the Wari culture, a sophisticated Andean civilization that flourished in Peru from around 600 to 1100 CE. Dating to 800–1100 CE, this textile strip—measuring just 13¾ × 3⅝ inches—offers a glimpse into the Wari's mastery of weaving, which rivaled their achievements in architecture and urban planning. Wari textiles were not mere fabrics but symbols of status, used in elite garments, ritual wraps, or architectural hangings, reflecting a society that valued intricate craftsmanship as a form of cultural expression. Crafted from cotton and camelid wool (lik...

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