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Peruvian Textiles
MS.2018.001  
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Collection Details
 
Table of contents What's This?
  • Conditions Governing Use
  • Preferred Citation
  • Arrangement
  • Biographical / Historical
  • Scope and Contents

  • Contributing Institution: Special Collections and Archives
    Title: Peruvian Textiles
    Identifier/Call Number: MS.2018.001
    Physical Description: 2.58 Linear Feet
    Date (inclusive): 1000-1450
    Abstract: The Peruvian Textiles are products mostly of the Chancay, Chimú, 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 Chillón on the central coast of Perú. 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.
    Language of Material: English .

    Conditions Governing Use

    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

    Arrangement

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

    Biographical / Historical

    The Peruvian Textiles are products mostly of the Chancay, Chimú, 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 Chillón on the central coast of Perú. 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 Chimú state apparently began to take shape in the first half of the 14th century AD. The Chimú culture was active between the years 1000-1200 AD. The Chimú 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.

    Scope and Contents

    The Peruvian textiles, originated from Lima, Perú 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 Perú which range from three different indigenous groups and represent three different civilizations. The Chancay, Chimú, and Tiahuanaco are cultural semblances that survived and tell the story of great artisans, and skilled production of their past which still lives today.

    Subjects and Indexing Terms

    Textiles
    Peru
    Tiahuanaco culture
    Pre-Columbian art
    Chimu art
    Chancay textile fabrics
    Chancay (Lima, Peru)
    Chancay culture