Fragment

LambayequeWW-1000-131953

1000·Two panels joined: cotton and wool (camelid), slit and single dovetailed tapestry weave with eccentric and wrapping outlining wefts; one panel embroidered with laced running stitches·60.3 × 14 cm (23 3/4 × 5 1/2 in.)

<p>The central scene woven into this panel displays a bird-headed anthropomorphic figure with a crescent-shaped headdress, possibly representing the otherworldly figure known as the Sicán Deity or a human impersonator of this legendary leader of the Lambayeque. In this depiction, the figure holds a ceremonial knife, called a tumi, and is engaged in a brutal ritual human sacrifice, likely a decapitation. Another victim hangs by a long rope wrapped around his neck. The borders and horizontal bands of this panel reiterate the theme of human sacrifice as they contain repeated depictions of trophy heads or bound captives—most likely, enemy warriors taken in battle.</p> <p>The two additional scenes above and below display composite amphibian-butterflies that may allude to metamorphosis or hallucinogens involved in the sacrificial ritual.</p>

Catalogue

Year: 1000
Medium: Two panels joined: cotton and wool (camelid), slit and single dovetailed tapestry weave with eccentric and wrapping outlining wefts; one panel embroidered with laced running stitches
Dimensions: 60.3 × 14 cm (23 3/4 × 5 1/2 in.)
Collection: Art Institute of Chicago
Artist: Lambayeque

Artist

Lambayeque

Textile

Lambayeque is a city on the coast of northern Peru and capital of the homonymous district and province in the department of Lambayeque. It is located 4.7 km from the city of Chiclayo and 13 km from the Pacific Ocean. It is an important cultural and educational center of the department as it houses some of the most important museums in the country, such as the Royal Tombs Museum and the Brüning Museum. It was founded in 1553 under the name of San Pedro de Lambayeque by order of the Viceroy Conde de Nieva.

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