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Tunic

Culture
Ica
Date
c.1000–1400
Material
Camelid fiber
made in
Peru, South America
Current Location
Not on view
Dimensions
23 1/4 x 49 3/16 in. (59.1 x 124.9 cm)
Credit Line
Museum Purchase
Rights
Public Domain
Object Number
284:1949
NOTES
This tunic is composed of four separately woven sections whose zigzag rows of interlocking birds and geometric shapes align almost perfectly. Out of respect for the integrity of cloth, ancient Peruvian garments were not cut or tailored to fit their wearers. The orientation, drape, and size of rectangular panels of cloth differed according to gender. Tunics, which hung loosely over the torso, were a typical male garment, consisting of a textile folded in half and sewn up the sides, leaving slits open for the arms and head.

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