Peruvian Textiles, 1000-1450

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Summary

Abstract:
The Peruvian Textiles are products mostly of the Chancay, ChimĂș, and Tiohuanaquence or Tiahuanaco, with one folder dating back Pre-Colombina. Most of the collection is that of the Chancay an indigenous group that produced a variety of textiles such as clothing, bags, and funeral masks. The Chancay culture (1200-1450 A.D.) reigned mainly in the valleys of Chancay and ChillĂłn on the central coast of PerĂș. The Chancay were considered expert weavers and used llama and alpaca fur. Additionally, the textiles may have been used to cover the heads of the dead. Textiles from elite Chancay tombs include elaborate gauzes, embroidery, painted plain weave and tapestry. The best-known of the Chancay artifacts are textiles that consist of embroidery work, paint-decorated fabrics and gauzes.
Extent:
2.58 Linear Feet
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

Folder title, Series, Box number, Collection title, followed by Special Collections and Archives, John F. Kennedy Memorial Library, California State University, Los Angeles

Background

Scope and content:

The Peruvian textiles, originated from Lima, PerĂș and the surrounding cities, were donated by Dr. Ericka Verba, Director of Latin American Studies to the University Library to Cal State LA Special Collections and Archives. The Latin American Studies Department is one of first Latin American Studies programs to have been established in the United States and is recognized nationally for the excellence of its faculty and the achievements of its alumni. The Peruvian textiles were received by Dr. Verba undated, therefore, the exact timeframe of the textiles is unknown. As well as, the exact derivation together with the original donor of the textiles is also unknown. The Peruvian textiles are organized into one series consisting of the initial year provided by the original donor and have maintained the same order it was received.

Series I: Peruvian Textiles Inclusive Dates: Undated Arrangement: Alphabetical

This series consists of textiles from PerĂș which range from three different indigenous groups and represent three different civilizations. The Chancay, ChimĂș, and Tiahuanaco are cultural semblances that survived and tell the story of great artisans, and skilled production of their past which still lives today.

Biographical / historical:

The Peruvian Textiles are products mostly of the Chancay, ChimĂș, and Tiohuanaquence or Tiahuanaco, with one folder dating back Pre-Colombina. Most of the collection is that of the Chancay an indigenous group that produced a variety of textiles such as clothing, bags, and funeral masks. The Chancay culture (1200-1450 A.D.) reigned mainly in the valleys of Chancay and ChillĂłn on the central coast of PerĂș. The Chancay were considered expert weavers and used llama and alpaca fur. Additionally, the textiles may have been used to cover the heads of the dead. Textiles from elite Chancay tombs include elaborate gauzes, embroidery, painted plain weave and tapestry. The best-known of the Chancay artifacts are textiles that consist of embroidery work, paint-decorated fabrics and gauzes.

The ChimĂș state apparently began to take shape in the first half of the 14th century AD. The ChimĂș culture was active between the years 1000-1200 AD. The ChimĂș embellished their fabrics with brocades, embroidery, fabrics doubles, and painted fabrics. The garments were made of the wool of four animals: the guanaco, llama, alpaca, and vicuna. The people also used varieties of cotton which grows naturally in seven different colors.

The Tiohuanaquence or Tiahuanaco Culture, a Pre-Inca Culture, developed among 400 B.C. and 120 A.D. Their typically geometric designs also included drawings of plants, animals such as fish, cats, birds, monkeys and dogs. Birds and deities wearing crescent-like headdresses were one of the more common decorative features. Similar to the later Inca, the Tiahuanaco had few commercial or market institutions. However, Tiahuanaco culture relied on elite redistribution. Woven garments worn during life indicated an individual's social rank, and were often interred with the individual in death. Ultimately, the textiles represent the skill and artistry and cultural landscape of each civilization.

Arrangement:

The collection is organized into one series: I. Peruvian Textiles

Access and use

Terms of access:

The Peruvian Textiles is the physical property of California State University, Los Angeles, John F. Kennedy Memorial Library, Special Collections and Archives.

Preferred citation:

Folder title, Series, Box number, Collection title, followed by Special Collections and Archives, John F. Kennedy Memorial Library, California State University, Los Angeles

Location of this collection:
5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90032-8300, US
Contact:
Website