Pre-Columbian, Peru Wool and cotton Textile fragment. Spanish Export License (No reserve price)
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€ 1
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 400 - € 500
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Textile fragment, Pre-Columbian Peru, dating to 11th–15th century A.D., hand-woven on a backstrap loom from wool and cotton, dimensions 350 mm by 110 mm, in good condition; acquired in 2024 from a German private collection and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity and an export license.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
ITEM: Textile fragment
MATERIAL: Wool and cotton
CULTURE: Pre-Columbian, Peru
PERIOD: 11th - 15th Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 350 mm x 110 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex German private collection, A.K.H., acquired between 1980 to 2007
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export license
This remarkable Pre-Columbian textile fragment, dating from approximately 1000 to 1400 A.D., offers a compelling glimpse into the sophisticated textile traditions of Late Intermediate Period Mesoamerica and the Andean region. During this vibrant era—marked by the rule of dominant cultures such as the Chimú, late Chancay, and early Inca ancestral groups—textiles were far more than utilitarian garments; they served as primary mediums for political status, spiritual storytelling, and social identity. Hand-woven on traditional backstrap looms using finely spun camelid fibers (such as alpaca or llama wool) and native cotton, the fragment preserves the extraordinary craftsmanship and complex aesthetic sensibilities of its ancient weavers.
Visually, the piece is defined by its striking geometric abstractions and highly stylized iconographic motifs. Common themes of this period include repeating animal forms—such as cosmic birds, felines, or marine creatures—intermingled with stepped frets, diagonal bands, and mirrored patterns. The master weavers achieved rich, resilient hues through natural dye processes derived from local minerals, cochineal insects, and plant extracts like indigo. These dynamic patterns reflected a deeply structured worldview, where balance, duality, and spatial harmony governed both artistic output and religious cosmology.
Beyond its physical beauty, a preserved textile from this epoch represents an astounding survival against the passage of time. Made possible by the hyper-arid microclimates of coastal burial sites or careful ritual deposition, such fragments reveal crucial details about ancient trade networks, technological mastery, and ritual practices. Today, this artifact stands as a tangible link to the Andean and Mesoamerican past—an intricate work of fiber art that continues to captivate collectors, historians, and admirers of classical antiquity alike.
Seller's Story
Your Antiquarian offers ancient art and ancient coins. Our main objective is to offer the highest quality at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Therefore, all the pieces that are published come from private collections in which the provenance can be checked or international auctions. All our antiquities and coins are accompanied by their Certificate of Authenticity. We have a no quibble 90 day return policy. At Your Antiquarian we are committed to helping disadvantaged groups and for this reason a portion of each purchase is donated to charities to help people in need.
Translated by Google TranslateITEM: Textile fragment
MATERIAL: Wool and cotton
CULTURE: Pre-Columbian, Peru
PERIOD: 11th - 15th Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 350 mm x 110 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex German private collection, A.K.H., acquired between 1980 to 2007
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export license
This remarkable Pre-Columbian textile fragment, dating from approximately 1000 to 1400 A.D., offers a compelling glimpse into the sophisticated textile traditions of Late Intermediate Period Mesoamerica and the Andean region. During this vibrant era—marked by the rule of dominant cultures such as the Chimú, late Chancay, and early Inca ancestral groups—textiles were far more than utilitarian garments; they served as primary mediums for political status, spiritual storytelling, and social identity. Hand-woven on traditional backstrap looms using finely spun camelid fibers (such as alpaca or llama wool) and native cotton, the fragment preserves the extraordinary craftsmanship and complex aesthetic sensibilities of its ancient weavers.
Visually, the piece is defined by its striking geometric abstractions and highly stylized iconographic motifs. Common themes of this period include repeating animal forms—such as cosmic birds, felines, or marine creatures—intermingled with stepped frets, diagonal bands, and mirrored patterns. The master weavers achieved rich, resilient hues through natural dye processes derived from local minerals, cochineal insects, and plant extracts like indigo. These dynamic patterns reflected a deeply structured worldview, where balance, duality, and spatial harmony governed both artistic output and religious cosmology.
Beyond its physical beauty, a preserved textile from this epoch represents an astounding survival against the passage of time. Made possible by the hyper-arid microclimates of coastal burial sites or careful ritual deposition, such fragments reveal crucial details about ancient trade networks, technological mastery, and ritual practices. Today, this artifact stands as a tangible link to the Andean and Mesoamerican past—an intricate work of fiber art that continues to captivate collectors, historians, and admirers of classical antiquity alike.
Seller's Story
Your Antiquarian offers ancient art and ancient coins. Our main objective is to offer the highest quality at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Therefore, all the pieces that are published come from private collections in which the provenance can be checked or international auctions. All our antiquities and coins are accompanied by their Certificate of Authenticity. We have a no quibble 90 day return policy. At Your Antiquarian we are committed to helping disadvantaged groups and for this reason a portion of each purchase is donated to charities to help people in need.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Pre-Columbian, Peru
Century/timeframe
11th - 15th Century A.D
Name of object
Textile fragment. Spanish Export License
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2024
Material
Wool and cotton
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Previous owner - year acquired
1990
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
