Pre-Columbian Textiles (Peru)

Paracas Mantle

Item

Title

Paracas Mantle

Description

This mantle is decorated with a feline creature (earthly world) which has two feet like those of a bird (celestial world), and the elongated body of a serpent (underworld). This mythological being combines the characteristics of the three worlds, evoking the Andean belief system. Funerary mantles were used by the people of Peru’s southern coast to wrap their dead in multiple layers, together with offerings, creating funerary bundles This funerary mantle is approximately 3000 years old.

Identifier

ML600068_SF4

Type

Textile fabrics, Ancient

Creator

Unknown, Paracas culture

Date

Formative Epoch (1250 B.C – 1 A.D)

Subject

serpents (general, animals)

mythologies (religious concept)

funerary bundles

alpaca (wool)

Mythology, Peruvian

Paracas culture

Medium

Camelid fiber dyed red, yellow, and green.

Format

153.5 x 302.4 cm

Coverage

Paracas, Peru

Source

Larco Museum, Peru

https://www.museolarco.org/catalogo/ficha.php?id=43903

Rights

Copyright © 2018 Museo Larco

Item sets

Pre-Columbian Textiles

Site pages

A brief History

Objects

Media

Manto-Paracas.jpg

v052-ML600068_SF4.jpg