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Paracas

Border Fragment

100 B.C./A.D. 200
Cotton, plain weave; embroidered with wool (camelid) in stem stitches
39.4 × 20.3 cm (15.5 × 8 in)

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In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

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Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

The distinctive stylized figure depicted on this fragment has wide eyes and an upturned mouth, with streamers or appendages trailing from its body. Scholars have named this figure the “oculate being” because of its wide eyes. However, it remains a matter of debate whether the figure represents a particular supernatural entity or a stylized figural representation.

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