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

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Panel from a Fringed Tunic
Monkeys
Chancay culture
AD 1300-1476
Cotton, camelid wool; tapestry weave, selvedged and fringed
17¼" x 13½"
Pre-Columbian cultures were familiar with numerous species of monkey. Although
the primate was not native to coastal habitats, the icon entered the pictorial repertoire
in very early periods as a preeminent symbol of supernatural status, exuberant vitality
and fertility.
The distinct physical attributes of certain species (such as the heart-shaped brow of
the capuchin or the lanky limbs and tail of the spider monkey) are recognizable in
numerous depictions. But the small repeat motif woven into this tunic has become
conventionalized and primarily decorative. It is arranged facing opposite directions in
alternating rows. The bright white cotton used to highlight different elements (limbs,
tails, heads, mouths, eyes) creates an erratic but rhythmic pattern that subverts the
regularity and uniformity of the overall design.
The layout, the coloration (yellow tones modified by red, brown and ochre) and the
stripe-and-bird patterned, fringed border are all characteristic of the style.
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