Pre-Columbian, southern Peru, Paracas Necropolis - Proto Nazca, ca. 500 to 200 BCE - purportedly found in Paracas. Perhaps the finest, most important and exceptional ancient textile that we have had the pleasure of handling, or even seeing. Made at the cross-roads of the Paracas and pre-Nazca empires and woven of the finest camelid fibers. The vibrant red background, which remarkably retains all 4 selvedge borders, is woven in a tight gauze technique and then enhanced with 48 embroidered supernatural feline deities (possibly a representation of Pampas Cats) in alternating shades of gold, purple, blue, white, and deep red. Size: 67" W x 34" H (170.2 cm x 86.4 cm), each feline creature measures approximately 5" by 6.5" (12.7cm x 16.5cm)

The weaving technique of each creature is incredibly similar to the technique used in Proto-Nazca fringes that we see in the form of munecas ("dolls" in Spanish). Munecas have been found depicting trophy heads, human figures, hummingbirds, felines and abstract geometric forms. These are usually attached to lightweight solid-colored blankets, but almost always only on the fringes. This is the only textile I have ever seen where this technique was used on forms attached to and incorporated into the body of the weaving. The artisan who wove this chose to alternate the creatures; some with yellow body, some with blue and others with the deep red. Together they make such an incredibly strong visual statement.

Shawls such as this were often used as the last or nearly last outer layer in the preparation of the dead before being placed in the tomb. A textile of such quality and size would have only been associated with one of great wealth and power.

Exhibited Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) 1958 to 1964. Offered at Butterfields, San Francisco, California in 1993 with a reserve of $20,000 and an estimate of $30,000 to $40,000. Interestingly, the letter given in 1958 by LACMA to the owner identified the textile as Nazca dated at 558 AD. This is amusing in how precise and how wrong the attribution was.

Provenance: private Harris collection, Kittredge, Colorado, USA collection, acquired in the 1950's and loaned to LACMA in 1958

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#170725

All selvedges are complete but loose threads and minor losses as shown. Remarkably complete for such a delicate textile. Should be carefully and professionally framed under UV-blocking plexiglass.