Paracas. Fragment of Mantle or Poncho, 100 B.C.E.–200 C.E. Camelid fibers, 4 5/8 x 22 1/2 in. (11.7 x 57.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Morris de Camp Crawford, Jr., 1997.56.2. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1997.56.2_SL1.jpg)
Paracas. Fragment of Mantle or Poncho, 100 B.C.E.–200 C.E. Camelid fibers, 4 5/8 x 22 1/2 in. (11.7 x 57.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Morris de Camp Crawford, Jr., 1997.56.2. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1997.56.2_detail_SL1.jpg)
Fragment of Mantle or Poncho
Arts of the Americas
The elaborate anthropomorphic figures depicted on this fragment, termed Plant Beings by scholars, combine human appendages with monkey feet; a bird wing at the back; and the whiskers and stripes of the pampas cat. Each figure holds a staff in one hand and a vine of beans in the other. Sprouting seeds and plants emanating from serpent-headed streamers refer to fertility and rebirth. The streamers, which flow from the mouth, head, and wing of each figure, may be interpreted as blood, a symbol of life and death.
CULTURE
Paracas
MEDIUM
Camelid fibers
DATES
100 B.C.E.–200 C.E.
DIMENSIONS
4 5/8 x 22 1/2 in. (11.7 x 57.2 cm)
Other: 10 x 28in. (25.4 x 71.1cm) (show scale)
COLLECTIONS
Arts of the Americas
ACCESSION NUMBER
1997.56.2
CREDIT LINE
Gift of Morris de Camp Crawford, Jr.
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Border fragment woven in camelid fiber with camelid embroidery. The imagery stands out against the light tan plain weave background. Represented are two figures with monkey feet, serrated legs, and a feline mask. The figures float in reverse directions and hold streamers of beans and staffs decorated with tuber-like plants. A border of this type would have been part of a mantle or poncho.
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
Paracas. Fragment of Mantle or Poncho, 100 B.C.E.–200 C.E. Camelid fibers, 4 5/8 x 22 1/2 in. (11.7 x 57.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Morris de Camp Crawford, Jr., 1997.56.2. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1997.56.2_SL1.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 1997.56.2_SL1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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