Art Institute of Chicago

Panel

Nasca

Date

Possibly 500 CE-600 CE

Medium

Cotton and wool (camelid), slit tapestry weave with outlining wefts

Culture

Peru

Department

Textiles

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

This panel includes figures that combine human and animal features, a theme frequently explored in art from throughout the ancient Andean region. The design consists of two groupings of abstract anthropomorphic beings (possibly deities) wearing ornate whiskered feline masks, headdresses, and ear ornaments. Appendages and heads radiate from the figures in all directions, which produces a design that can be read from various viewpoints. The multiple heads suggest otherworldly powers and may represent the heads of defeated, decapitated warriors, taken as trophies.

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