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Mantle

Wari
Middle Horizon period
A.D. 700–900
Object Place: Peru, Nasca area, South Coast

Medium/Technique Wool [camelid] plain weave with discontinuous warps and wefts, disassembled, tie-dyed, and reassembled
Dimensions 114 x 187 cm (44 7/8 x 73 5/8 in.)
Credit Line Textile Fund and Helen and Alice Colburn Fund
Accession Number1983.252
NOT ON VIEW
ClassificationsCostumes

For thousands of years in the ancient Andean world, women were the primary producers of the all-important textiles for the household and the state.

DescriptionPaired step-block units create squares in following color combinations; light blue/brown, yellow/dark blue, green/red. Tie-dye designs of diamonds and striped in natural, red, yellow. Selvedges and fringe intact.
ProvenanceBy about 1957, François Piraud, Rome [see note]; 1983, sold by François Piraud to the MFA. (Accession Date: June 15, 1983)

NOTE: Mr. Piraud first offered this mantle to the MFA on November 10, 1977, at which time he attested that it had been in his collection for twenty years.