PERMANENT EXHIBITION

Textile making emerged as a response to the need for humans to protect themselves from inclement weather. Paleolithic evidence dating back to around 20,000 BC exists of the first animal hides sewn with bone needles. Later, the interweaving of lengths of cord led to production of the first cloth. This development emerged in several places around the world during different periods. In Peru, 10,000 year-old evidence of the ancient use of rushes for weaving baskets has been found before the use of cotton.

The new religion was organized by priests, who evoked new deities through the ritual use of hallucinogenic plants and visionary trances. These deities ensured plentiful seasonal rainfall and abundant harvests. (Stone-Miller; R. Shultes & A. Hufmann; L. P. Kuist & M. Moraes; F.J. Carod- Artal, C.B. Vásquez – Cabrera)

This society from the southern coast of ancient Peru was composed of the different groups that settled in the valleys of the Ica region. During its early phase, Paracas culture was influenced by Chavín religious beliefs. Gradually, new regional religious practices evolved. The outstanding richness of Paracas textile production contrasts with the aridity of the desert where these artworks were discovered. (H. Silverman, E. León,

S. Massey). The people of Paracas developed most of the techniques known by pre-Columbian cultures and used to this day by Peruvian artisans. Paracas embroidery achieved an impressive level of detail in small almost three-dimensional figures.

Master embroiderers and apprentices would work together, thereby ensuring that traditions were passed on and new masters trained (M. Medina).

This society developed from its base in the southern highlands of Peru (Ayacucho) and marked the beginning of a new belief system which spread throughout much of Peruvian territory. The Wari empire enjoyed the necessary religious prestige required to conquer great swathes of territory, and this expansion was characterized by the establishment of stone-built cities with large independent complexes devoted to ancestor worship. In addition, the Wari constructed one of the earliest road networks, which would eventually form part of the system known as Qhapaq Ñan. (D.Bonavia 2006; M. Benavides 1999.

After the decline of the complex Huari society, regional peoples –heavily influenced by the religious practices and organizational models they had been exposed to–developed to form powerful regional dominions. These included the dominions of Lambayeque and Chimú, descendants of the Moche; Chancay, Ichsma, Huarco and Chincha, as well as the Chuquibamba, Chiribaya and Killke cultures in the south. This period was marked by long distance trading and the establishment of administrative centers for the storing of resources.

Chimú was a powerful and organized society descended from the Moche. It developed on Peru’s northern coast.They built one of the largest mud brick cities of ancient Peru: Chan Chan. This was a great walled city composed of nine complexes, each of which contained plazas, storehouses, audience chambers and pyramids. All of these structures were surrounded by the neighborhoods inhabited by the farmers and workers who supplied the temples. The Chimú continually expanded their agricultural frontiers to the north, creating an important kingdom capable of extending its area of influence and conquering other regions, such as the territory of the Lambayeque culture. The great metalworkers and textile makers of Chimú maintained close relations with a number of other dominions, such as Chancay and Cajamarca.

The clothing worn by rulers was composed of three items: the turban, or cap, which provided support for the headdress or crown and, in many cases, possessed two bands that hung down on each side; the tunic, or unku, with three-quarter length sleeves; and the decorated kilt, or wara. In addition, bracelets or wristbands were worn, as well as metal ankle guards, crowns, etc. This type of clothing –made from the finest thread by the most skilful artisans– differentiated the ruling elite from the other social classes of the Chimú world.

Our permanent collection exhibited at our seat in Lima holds 300 textiles which are examples of the first techniques used in America. We cordially invite everybody interested in broadening their knowledge about pre-Columbian textiles to pay a visit to our Museum.  http://eng.museoamano.org/visit-us/