Band Possibly 800 - 1100

This band was woven by the Wari people of ancient Peru, probably sometime between 600 and 1000 AD. The Wari Empire was one of the most powerful states in the Andes before the rise of the Inca. Textiles such as this were central to Wari culture. Imagery of this kind has a political dimension. The repeated figures on this band, with their elaborate headdresses, are likely depictions of powerful individuals, perhaps even rulers or deities. The geometric style, typical of Wari textiles, creates a sense of order and authority. The red dye, derived from cochineal insects, was a precious commodity, further enhancing the band’s status. Understanding this artwork requires us to look beyond its aesthetic qualities. By studying archaeological reports, colonial chronicles, and modern scholarship, we can begin to reconstruct the social, economic, and political context in which it was made. What we see here is not just a beautiful object, but a window into a complex and fascinating society.