Pre-Columbian, Northern Peru, Moche-Huari, Middle Horizon, ca. 800 CE. For ancient Andean societies, textiles served myriad functions and held an important social, political, religious, and aesthetic value. This textile was created during the Middle Horizon period, either after the Moche collapsed or very late in Moche times whent he Huari culture rose to power int he central highlands of Peru. A vibrant center of textile production within the Moche southern frontier produced a synthesis of the two styles in a group of understudied textiles. The style is much more geometric than we see in Moche ceramics; however, since very few Moche textiles have survived, it is tricky to ascertain whether this style was common earlier among the Moche or a result of contact with the Huari culture. The three figures depicted in composite profile hold staffs, the traditional sign of authority, to each side of their bodies. Between them are bold geometric, interlocking step-like elements. Beneath is a continuous pattern of red diamonds which are sometimes shown in a stepped arrangement. The coloring of the fibers in this textile is breathtakingly vibrant - stunning hues of deep rose and smoky blue complemented with yellow ochre, cream, and black. So few Moche textiles have survived most likely because their homelands in the north were subject to severe periodic flooding. Hence this truly is a rare and beautiful find. Professionally mounted with lucite cover. Textile itself measures 16-1/2"L x 2-1/4"W.

Provenance: Ex- Jay Friedenberg, Ex- Daniel Friedenberg, former curator at the Jewish Museum in New York City

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Minor loss as shown. Else impeccable!