Fragment with Figures
Unknown Artist
7th century
Medium
Camelid hair
Dimensions
Overall: 8 x 11 in. (20.32 x 27.94 cm) Other: 8 in. (20.32 cm)
Classification
Textiles-Woven
Culture
Nasca
Department
Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of George D. Pratt, 1932
Accession Number
32.32.3
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Fragment with Figures*, woven in the 7th century by an unknown Nasca artist, a glimpse into the sophisticated textile traditions of ancient Peru's Nasca culture (ca. 100 BCE–800 CE). Hailing from the arid southern coast, the Nasca people were master weavers who transformed camelid hair—fine wool from alpacas and llamas—into vibrant, durable fabrics. Measuring just 8 x 11 inches, this woven fragment likely survived from a larger garment or ritual cloth, preserved through Peru's dry climate and ancient burial practices. Nasca textiles like this one showcase advanced weaving tech...