Pre-Columbian, South Coast Peru, Nazca culture, ca. 100 to 300 CE. This is a stunning and large poncho hand-woven from camelid fibers (alpaca or llama wool) that are dyed in hues of coffee brown, crimson, and yellow ochre. The motifs consist of two registers of stepped triangular shapes encircling the exterior in yellow and red on the brown ground. The interior has a large solid rectangle - half yellow and half red with a central brown area that contains a vertical slit opening for the wearer's head to fit through. The Nazca culture developed one of the most elaborate weaving patterns and advanced techniques of their time period and the arid climate preserved many of these remarkable textile pieces. This poncho is mounted on a modern navy-blue cloth backing. Size of textile: 81" L x 51" W (205.7 cm x 129.5 cm); w/ mounting cloth: 100" L x 58" W (254 cm x 147.3 cm)

Provenance: private Houston, Texas, USA collection; ex-private Houston, Texas, USA, collection, acquired before 2000

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#167340

Tearing and unraveling and losses. Fair condition and active fraying when handled. Musty odor from mothballs. Sewn to a modern silk navy blue cloth backing to support the textile. Some areas where the textile has come away from the backing and needs to be reattached.