Border (From a Garment) Possibly 500 - 1476

This woven border from a garment was created by the Moche people of ancient Peru, featuring a repeating motif of stepped geometric patterns. These meanders, so familiar across cultures, evoke labyrinths and journeys, both physical and spiritual, and were often related to water and fertility. Observe how this symbol echoes through time, appearing in ancient Greek art as a decorative key pattern, and even in modern textiles. The stepped form resonates with the human desire for order and progression, a visual metaphor for climbing towards enlightenment or navigating life's complexities. Consider the psychological weight of these patterns; the repetition induces a trance-like state, engaging our subconscious. The Moche artisans, through the act of weaving, tapped into a collective memory, a shared human experience. This seemingly simple border becomes a powerful reminder of how symbols transcend time, resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings in each cultural context, their emotive power undiminished.