Shamans, Supernaturals & Animal Spirits: Mythic Figures From the Ancient Andes

187
Fragment
"Moon Animal" (Coati/Fox/Feline)
Late Wari-related culture (North-Central Coast)
AD 800-1000
Cotton, camelid wool; supplementary weft
7½" x 8"
Rendered here with greater solidity of line and color,
the related motifs from these two separate textiles
are similar in style and reference to the variety of figures
incorporated into the design of cat. 185. The imagery
evidently reflects the animal cosmologies of the north
central coast cultures.
The creatures are typically characterized by an elongated,
jagged snout or mouth and protruding ears. One of the
most common representations is as a seated profile figure
displaying the curving tail, three-toed or clawed foot and
markings of the mythical “moon animal" that improbably
blends coati, fox and feline traits (cat. 187).
On the other hand, the silhouette of the standing
quadruped portrayed in cat. 186 (left) apparently describes
a llama or alpaca—animals of enormous economic and
cultural significance to Andean cultures. As shown here,
the camelid does indeed sport long, banana-shaped ears
and a cloven hoof. But the artist has equally managed to
use the illusion of visual depth to convey the impression
of four legs planted solidly on the ground. The dangling
ornament may allude to highland practices of hanging
small pouches stuffed with herbs and coca leaf around the
animals’ necks.
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