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

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Panel from a Tunic or Hanging?
Standing Personage
Chimú or North-Central Coast culture,
Huarmey Valley?
AD 1000-1476
Cotton, camelid wool; plain weave,
supplementary weave (brocade)
19" x 23"
This eccentric figure may be anthropomorphic in form, but it is more than human—
it appears to be an embodiment of an entire cosmological landscape. Standing
upon a scrolling wave/pelican band or platform, the schematic figure is surrounded by,
and embedded with, images of the archetypal animals and venerated deities of the north
coast, as well as innumerable abstract motifs that have the character of cosmic signs or
symbols.
The frontal figure, worked in red wool, is strongly outlined against the white cotton
field, although the puzzling composition makes a visual game of positive/negative and
foreground/background. His facial features are askew and off-center, but a curious
tufted hairstyle or feathered headdress is depicted, as are male genitalia (unusually, for
this tradition).
The array of animals is representative of different natural and symbolic realms. These
include the "moon animal" in its incarnation as a coatimundi (see cat. 229), as well as
snakes, deer, catfish, standing deities and birds (including a composite bird with feline
tail).
Serpent Coati Catfish
200