Tapestry Fragment
Unknown Artist
9th–13th century
Medium
Camelid hair, cotton
Dimensions
Overall: 4 x 5 in. (10.16 x 12.7 cm) Other: 4 in. (10.16 cm)
Classification
Textiles-Woven
Culture
Lambayeque (Sicán)
Department
Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1928
Accession Number
28.64.26
Art Historical Context
This delicate **Tapestry Fragment** from Lambayeque (Sic) culture of northern Peru, dating to the 9th–13th century, offers a glimpse into pre-Columbian Andean artistry. Measuring just 4 x 5 inches, it was woven from camelid hair—likely from alpacas or vicuñas, prized for their fine, durable fibers—and cotton, a combination that highlights the region's advanced textile traditions. These materials were not only practical for Peru's varied climates but also symbolized wealth and skill, as weaving was a revered craft often dominated by women. The fragment exemplifies **tapestry weaving**, a sophi...