Andean Textiles

Weaving Meaning in the Ancient Andes 

The Andes Mountains divide the narrow strip of desert along the Pacific Coast from the Amazon Rainforest to the east, with fertile valleys and high-altitude plateaus in between. Their extremely dry conditions resulted in the extraordinary preservation of organic material, including the fabrics and featherwork on view here. 

Weaving is one of the oldest and most highly esteemed art forms from the ancient Andes, developing thousands of years before the rise of the Inca Empire (1470–1532 ce). The region also boasts one of the most diverse approaches to textile construction known globally. Drawing on a wide repertoire of geometric and figurative designs, local weavers developed strikingly bold compositions for textiles intended, among other things, for use as everyday objects, royal gifts, and sacred offerings. 

Most ancient Andean textiles that have survived are garments or other elements of attire. These are works that were once worn on the body and animated through movement. Large hangings intended to adorn important buildings have also been recovered. These finely crafted fiber works offered unparalleled platforms for ancient Andean communities to express their identities, values, and beliefs.