Pre-Columbian, Peru, Chancay / Chimu ca. 800 to 1450 CE. An incredible headdress made from a simple woven cotton textile covered with vibrant feathers attached by cotton strings. The band with red and blue feathers would rest on the wearer's brow, the hanging strips perhaps cascading to the sides ? it is clear someone of importance - perhaps royalty- would have worn this like a crown since feathers were as (if not more) precious as gold. The upper vertical yellow feathers would project upward, and a row of iridescent blue feathers are added to the back - a splendid view from all sides! The feathers are cut and arranged on the brow band to form abstract figures with eyes - losses to plumes has made is difficult to determine what the center motif is, but these feathers are tiny and perhaps from a hummingbird, whereas the red, yellow, and turquoise hues are likely from macaws or other types of parrots. The headdress is mounted on a modern black cloth backing. Size of feather textile: 22" L x 18.5" W (55.9 cm x 47 cm); cloth backing: 30" L x 25.5" W (76.2 cm x 64.8 cm)

Clothing made from feathers were mainly worn by the wealthy and elite, the iridescent colors were spectacular in the sunlight, making naturally dyed cloth pale in comparison! Colorful feathers were prized materials in Andean cultures and used for special garments and ornamentation - avian motifs and the use of feathers were symbolic in Andean cultures, for birds were sacred animals that could fly between worlds and were messengers for the gods. These ancient cultures had a complex relationship with birds, especially the rainforest species - their stunning plumage was highly desirable and worth nearly the same as precious metals. It is possible that live, caged birds as well as their plucked feathers were imported from the lower altitudes to supply this demand.

Provenance: private southern California, USA collection, acquired from Arte Xibalba in 2007; ex-Joseph Espinola Canada Collection, acquired in Brazil between 1980-1982.

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#186141

Heavy losses to the feathers on the hanging bands as shown. Losses to feathers and bare areas on the brow band. Active flaking and shedding to the feathers. Vertical yellow plumes are largely intact. Discoloration and staining to cotton textile but otherwise intact with only some minor fraying to threads. Mounted on a modern black cloth backing.