Fragments (From a Tunic) Possibly 600 - 800

These fragments from a tunic were created by the Wari culture. The textile strikes us with its earthy palette, dominated by shades of red and brown, structured with vertical bands. Linear patterns and geometric shapes define the composition, alluding to stylized figures. Despite its fragmented state, the tunic's structure reveals much about Wari artistic conventions. Notice the interplay between the repeated motifs and the solid bands. This juxtaposition suggests a sophisticated understanding of textile design, in which symmetry and variation co-exist. The repeated images could be seen as signs within a semiotic system, reflecting cultural beliefs. What's most intriguing is how the very structure and composition destabilize any fixed meaning, inviting viewers to interpret the work. It prompts us to consider how abstract forms carry cultural significance. The tunic is a testament to how material culture encodes meaning.