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

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.

1993-present, purchase by the Detroit Institute of Arts (Detroit, Michigan, USA)

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.