Peruvian Textiles
Scope and Contents
The Peruvian textiles, originated from Lima, Perú and the
surrounding cities, were donated by Dr. Ericka Verba, Director of Latin American
Studies to the University Library to Cal State LA Special Collections and
Archives. The Latin American Studies Department is one of first Latin American
Studies programs to have been established in the United States and is
recognized nationally for the excellence of its faculty and the achievements of its
alumni. The Peruvian textiles were received by Dr. Verba undated, therefore, the
exact timeframe of the textiles is unknown. As well as, the exact derivation
together with the original donor of the textiles is also unknown. The Peruvian
textiles are organized into one series consisting of the initial year provided by the
original donor and have maintained the same order it was received.
Series I: Peruvian Textiles
Inclusive Dates: Undated
Arrangement: Alphabetical
This series consists of textiles from Perú which range from three different
indigenous groups and represent three different civilizations. The Chancay,
Chimú, and Tiahuanaco are cultural semblances that survived and tell the story
of great artisans, and skilled production of their past which still lives today.
Dates
- Creation: 1000 - 1450
Conditions Governing Use
The Peruvian Textiles is the physical property of California State University, Los Angeles, John F. Kennedy Memorial Library, Special Collections and Archives.
Biographical / Historical
The Peruvian Textiles are products mostly of the
Chancay, Chimú, and Tiohuanaquence or Tiahuanaco, with one folder dating
back Pre-Colombina. Most of the collection is that of the Chancay an indigenous
group that produced a variety of textiles such as clothing, bags, and funeral
masks. The Chancay culture (1200-1450 A.D.) reigned mainly in the valleys of
Chancay and Chillón on the central coast of Perú. The Chancay were considered
expert weavers and used llama and alpaca fur. Additionally, the textiles may
have been used to cover the heads of the dead. Textiles from elite Chancay
tombs include elaborate gauzes, embroidery, painted plain weave and tapestry.
The best-known of the Chancay artifacts are textiles that consist of embroidery
work, paint-decorated fabrics and gauzes.
The Chimú state apparently began to take shape in the first half of the 14th
century AD. The Chimú culture was active between the years 1000-1200 AD.
The Chimú embellished their fabrics with brocades, embroidery, fabrics doubles,
and painted fabrics. The garments were made of the wool of four animals: the
guanaco, llama, alpaca, and vicuna. The people also used varieties of cotton
which grows naturally in seven different colors.
The Tiohuanaquence or Tiahuanaco Culture, a Pre-Inca Culture, developed
among 400 B.C. and 120 A.D. Their typically geometric designs also included
drawings of plants, animals such as fish, cats, birds, monkeys and dogs. Birds
and deities wearing crescent-like headdresses were one of the more common
decorative features. Similar to the later Inca, the Tiahuanaco had few commercial
or market institutions. However, Tiahuanaco culture relied on elite redistribution.
Woven garments worn during life indicated an individual's social rank, and were
often interred with the individual in death. Ultimately, the textiles represent the
skill and artistry and cultural landscape of each civilization.
Extent
2.58 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
The Peruvian Textiles are products mostly of the Chancay, Chimú, and Tiohuanaquence or Tiahuanaco, with one folder dating back Pre-Colombina. Most of the collection is that of the Chancay an indigenous group that produced a variety of textiles such as clothing, bags, and funeral masks. The Chancay culture (1200-1450 A.D.) reigned mainly in the valleys of Chancay and Chillón on the central coast of Perú. The Chancay were considered expert weavers and used llama and alpaca fur. Additionally, the textiles may have been used to cover the heads of the dead. Textiles from elite Chancay tombs include elaborate gauzes, embroidery, painted plain weave and tapestry. The best-known of the Chancay artifacts are textiles that consist of embroidery work, paint-decorated fabrics and gauzes.
Arrangement
The collection is organized into one series: I. Peruvian Textiles
- Title
- Peruvian Textiles
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Arielle D. Steimer-Barragán
- Date
- 2018
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- English
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections and Archives Repository
Library South, Room 2079, 5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles CA 90032
(323)343-3960
SpecialCollections@calstatela.edu