Techniques
By 500 BC the ancient Peruvians had developed practically every known weaving technique, some so complicated that they cannot be reproduced today, even by machinery. The textiles shown here represent only a few of the weaving and decorative techniques used by the various cultural groups of ancient Peru.
A simple back-strap loom was used to weave complete brocades[1], tapestries [2] and double cloth [3]. Highly elaborate embroideries were made in some periods, where the entire surface of the cloth was covered with tiny stem stitches [4]. Along with producing textiles for clothing, different fabric techniques were adopted for other items of the material culture such as weapons [5].
Images were also created using paint [6] applied with a set of brushes, perhaps like those in the box [7].
A myriad of colours from various mineral, plant and insect dye sources were incorporated into the textiles - over 200 have been identified.
A simple back-strap loom was used to weave complete brocades[1], tapestries [2] and double cloth [3]. Highly elaborate embroideries were made in some periods, where the entire surface of the cloth was covered with tiny stem stitches [4]. Along with producing textiles for clothing, different fabric techniques were adopted for other items of the material culture such as weapons [5].
Images were also created using paint [6] applied with a set of brushes, perhaps like those in the box [7].
A myriad of colours from various mineral, plant and insect dye sources were incorporated into the textiles - over 200 have been identified.
This illustration shows a woman of the Inca period weaving on a back strap loom. Though a relatively simple piece of equipment it was used to produce highly elaborate textiles. It is likely that almost all known ancient Peruvian textiles were made on these simple looms and this technology is still used today in some parts of the Andes. (Guaman Poma 1615:217 Courtesy of The Royal Danish Library).
