DISCOVERART

Peru, Probably north or central coast

Fragment

A.D. 1000/1476
Cotton and wool (camelid), slit tapestry weave with eccentric wefts
57.4 × 57.2 cm (22.6 × 22.5 in)

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

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

The theme of fish is often found in works of art made by the diverse peoples of ancient Peru. Numerous costal cultures embraced marine life, especially the abundance it provided as a primary source of food. In addition, the ocean was associated with the sacred underworld, with many aquatic animals serving as both predator—such as the killer whale—and prey. The centrality of the ocean is clearly expressed by this textile fragment displaying a school of fish. Rows of colorful abstract fish motifs are interspersed with stepped-fret designs, creating a visually rhythmic pattern and an expression of the sea's bounty.

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