Huari Tunic Fragment

The Huari of Peru were the dominant culture of the region from the 5th trough the 11th century. Originally farmers with a strong military tradition, they imposed their language and culture on their neighbours.

As their upper class were buried with belongings to carry into the afterlife a lot has been preserved to attest to their rich and distinctive artistic tradition. Ceramics, metalwork and textiles were all fields in which they excelled, and all three areas show the Huaris penchant for high abstraction. The reasons for this are not clear and could be either resulting from drug induced trance consciousness or an attempt by the upper classes to force their aesthetics by denying commoners access to their logic.Their textiles, include tapestries, tunics and hats and they are all distinguished by their vivid and contrasting colors. Their designs are mostly grid oriented and their motifs are a select few; frontal faces, profile faces, skulls, animals, figures wearing tunics or bearing a staff, and stepped diamonds, triangles or frets.

Huari textiles are exquisitely crafted and while patchwork is common, their interlocked-tapestry woven textiles with their high-density thread count is the most awe inspiring.

This rectangular fragment is one of two front pieces of a tunic. They should be attached to a larger square back. Motifs include faces in profile and stepped triangles. All in still vivid colors and in splendid condition.