Wooden Weaving Sword
Unknown Artist
before 16th century
Medium
Wood
Dimensions
H. 6 3/8 × W. 7/8 in. (16.2 × 2.2 cm)
Classification
Wood-Implements
Culture
Peruvian
Department
Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Cummings, 1964
Accession Number
64.228.753
Art Historical Context
This slender Wooden Weaving Sword, crafted from wood before the 16th century, hails from ancient Peru and exemplifies the everyday tools of pre-Columbian artisans. Measuring just 6 3/8 inches long 7/8 inch wide, its compact, ergonomic form was designed for precision in backstrap loom weaving—a technique central to Andean textile production. Now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of's Department of Arts of Africa,, and the Americas, was generously gifted by Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Cummings in 1964. In Peruvian culture, weaving was far more than a craft; it was a revered art form symbolizing social ...