Checkerboard Tunic. Inca. A.D. 1450-1530. Camelid fibers, cotton. Height (at center as mounted) 32 ½ in. Width (at top as m... (Total: 1 Item Item)

Description

Checkerboard Tunic
Inca
A.D. 1450-1530
Camelid fibers, cotton
Height (at center as mounted) 32 ½ in. Width (at top as mounted) 28 ½ in.

Tunics in red, black, and white arranged in this checkerboard design have survived in sufficient numbers to support the interpretation that they served as some kind of military uniform. As Rebecca Stone-Miller (Art of the Andes from Chavín to Inca. New York: Thames and Hudson, 1995, p.212) notes, "Clothing was an instrument of conformity, unmistakably signaling imperial power. Imagine 10,000 warriors in checkerboard tunics advancing over the hill!" This example is in the standard tight, close tapestry weave characteristic of Inca textiles. The neck, armholes, and lower edge have an embroidered binding. The present military tunic has extensive overall wear, stains, and creases.

Provenance
Arte Textil (Steve Berger), San Francisco, California



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