Panel (Probably from a Mantle) Possibly 800 - 900

This panel, likely from a mantle, was woven by the Nazca people in ancient Peru. It stands as a powerful testament to their sophisticated textile traditions, and their society. Textiles held immense cultural significance, functioning as social texts that conveyed status, religious beliefs, and historical narratives. In Nazca society weaving was primarily women’s work, which allowed them to have economic influence. The geometric patterns woven into this panel likely had symbolic meanings tied to the Nazca’s understanding of the cosmos and their relationship with the natural world. The bright colors could have been meant to evoke feelings of connection to the spiritual realm, given that the mantles were often used in ceremonial practices. As you observe this fragment, consider the hands that wove it, the stories it tells, and the enduring legacy of the Nazca people.