Art Institute of Chicago

Panel

Probably Chancay

Date

1000-1476

Medium

Cotton and wool (camelid), slit tapestry weave with eccentric and interlaced outlining wefts; edged with plain weave extended weft loop fringe

Culture

Peru

Department

Textiles

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

At first glance, this panel of anthropomorphized monkeys engaged in violent conflict appears to be woven with a repeating pattern. However, no group is identical to another: each thread has been placed deliberately, and each motif formed with careful discernment. This panel’s dense tapestry weave creates the distinctive curvilinear forms characteristic of Peruvian textiles. Stitching tracks and threads at the top and bottom indicate that this panel is only part of a greater whole, perhaps a tunic or mantle.

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