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

189
Band from a Tunic
Bird
Coastal Wari culture
AD 800-1000
Camelid wool; tapestry weave
5½" x 15"
These two figural bands appear to be from a type of regional
tapestry-woven tunic, either a Wari-related style or a later
derivation. Although the icons are familiar, the more naturalistic mode
of representation departs from the geometric conventions of classic
Wari textile design.
The improvisational combination and progression of vibrant color,
which is recalibrated from motif to motif, is nevertheless virtuoso.
The evident skill in dyeing and sensitive color selection, as well as the
extensive use of a rich cochineal red for the background, attest to the
prestige of the garments.
The imagery apparently reflects a coastal habitat. While the rendering
of the hooked-beak bird (cat. 190) recalls the harpy eagle that was an
essential artistic and shamanic symbol for highland Andean cultures, it
also suggests species more commonly found in the local environment,
such as the osprey or hawk, as well as the imported macaw parrot.
This is also true for the quadruped depicted in cat. 191 which takes its
attributes from the jaguar, coati, fox and “moon animal." Incongruously,
this animal is paired with a fish—another cultural locator. The modular,
target-like patterning anticipates certain Inka tokapu motifs.
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