1993-present, purchase by the Detroit Institute of Arts (Detroit, Michigan, USA)
Miniature Poncho, between 100 BCE and 100 CE
- Paracas, Precolumbian
Plain weave with stem-stitch embroidery and two fringes, cotton and camelid fiber
- Overall: 31 1/2 × 33 1/2 inches (80 × 85.1 cm)
Founders Society Purchase with funds from Founders Junior Council, and the J. Lawrence Buell, Jr. Fund
1993.22
Department
Indigenous Americas
Details
This finely woven and embroidered miniature poncho was made for a high-ranking child and was probably worn on state occasions before being buried with its owner. This extremely intricate embroidery imitates the geometry of a woven textile because of its repeated pattern of interlocking double-headed serpents, which probably represent an agricultural deity.
Paracas, Precolumbian, Miniature Poncho, between 100 BCE and 100 CE, plain weave with stem-stitch embroidery and two fringes, cotton and camelid fiber. Detroit Institute of Arts, Founders Society Purchase with funds from Founders Junior Council, and the J. Lawrence Buell, Jr. Fund, 1993.22.