Fragment (Band)
800 CE-1100
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...