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

237
Pair of Tassels
Faces or Figurines
North Coast or Central Coast cultures
AD 1100-1476
Cotton; plain weave, slit tapestry, supplementary weft
(brocade), embriodery
4" x 5"
Although the execution of these tassels from
two different garments is somewhat unrefined
(possibly reflecting a lower-status textile), the
embellishments are nevertheless fashioned with
an array of decorative techniques.
The faces similarly project a surprising idiosyncrasy
and personality—perhaps because their features
are defined by a raised textural stitch. Each face has
unique detailing: the tassel shown on the right, for
example, has an owl or monkey-like countenance,
due the looping lines around its eyes, while the
figure on the left has a bright red nose. Both have
the toothy mouths that signal power and prestige.