Before the Embroidery: Iconography and Design of Paracas Tradition Textiles

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ID: 314376
2026
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Abstract
Abstract The Paracas tradition spans the middle to late Formative periods (c. 800–100 BC), comprising Paracas epochs 3–10, alternatively divided into early, middle, and late Paracas. Recent research provides better data on Paracas textiles in archaeological context. Early to middle Paracas textiles demonstrate development of loom weaving practices, including a transition from warp end twining to three passes of a plied cord to establish warp order and sheds. Variability in complex textile structures employing cotton and camelid hair demonstrate experimentation in warp patterning, weft patterning, and tapestry structures. Painted cotton plain weaves and structural techniques depict Chavín-related imagery. Warp and weft striped plain weaves in natural cotton hues creates balanced patterns. Colors are achieved using indigo and shellfish dyes on cotton, mineral pigments, and plant-based dyes on camelid hair. In middle to late Paracas textiles, nonloom techniques such as close knotting, knotted netting, looping, oblique twining, and interlinking (sprang) are important in diverse headdress elements and looped tunics. Complex loomed techniques, including double-cloth, triple-cloth, warp-crossed gauze weave, plain weave with discontinuous warp and weft, supplementary wefts (brocade), and supplementary (and some complementary) warp patterning, are used for geometric and figurative decoration in garment types that include headcloths, mantles, tunics, skirts, and loincloths. Embroidery becomes more important in late Paracas in interaction with the Topará tradition. The Paracas textile tradition contributes to the textile structures and garment forms of early Nasca.
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openalex_W7162028605 Use this key to autocite in the manuscript while using SciMatic Manuscript Manager or Thesis Manager
Authors Ann Hudson Peters
Journal Oxford University Press eBooks
Year 2026
DOI
10.1093/oxfordhb/9780195391367.013.45
URL
https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780195391367.013.45
Keywords Keywords not found

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