Tunic Panel. Chimú. A.D. 1100 - 1400. Camelid fibers, cotton. Height 69 1/4 in. Width 14 in.. This red-ground tapestry-we... (Total: 1 Item Item)

Description

Tunic Panel
Chimú
A.D. 1100 - 1400
Camelid fibers, cotton
Height 69 1/4 in. Width 14 in.

This red-ground tapestry-weave tunic panel shows nine pairs of frontally displayed human figures standing under angled arches and flanked by rampant monkeys. When folded for wearing, all figures were seen in upright orientation. The furry areas of the monkeys are represented by small, closely spaced loops which create a strong illusion of shaggy coats and add a rarely seen third dimension to this textile. Principal colors used are two tones of natural brown for the monkeys and white, two shades of gold, light blue, muted green, and dark cochineal burgundy for the human figures. The usual varied color distributions include cross alternations of white in most of the arches, which creates a zig-zagging effect. At one end the weaver misjudged spacing and had to compress two rows of figures. Although the condition is generally good, there is loss in some of the looped areas.

Provenance
Bonhams & Butterfields, San Francisco: sale 7477E, 8 December 2003, lot 3080, p.26





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