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

157
Section from a Tunic
Interlocking Reptilian Figure
Tiwanaku-related culture?
AD 600-900
Camelid wool; interlocking tapestry weave
15" x 9"
A
striking contrast of hue and shade enhances the brilliant
interplay of inversion, reflection and opposition in this
narrow pattern band. There are three tonalities of indigo,
ranging from dark and light blue to a distinctive turquoise that
suggests the textile was produced within Tiwanaku’s sphere of
influence. The interlocking geometric design is reminiscent of
iconography explored by pre-Columbian cultures in northern
Chile as well as southern Peru.
A schematic anthropomorphic figure is symmetrically mirrored
across the color divide, top to bottom and side to side. The
bisected head is set upon a lizard-like body composed of spirals,
hooks and serrated diagonals. These graphic elements possibly
derive from the classic face/fret combination (see cat. 154), and
may be symbolically associated with water and mountains.
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