Head Cloth Item Number: Sf871 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
A complete sheer head cloth constructed from two loom widths. Zigzag lines in alternating dense and open fabric cover the entire head cloth. Woven in a complex gauze weave on fine, tightly spun, white cotton yarns. The crepe-like texture of the head cloth results from the tightly spun, single ply yarns.
History Of Use
Semi-sheer head cloths have been found folded and piled on the heads of central coast mummies. They are found in simple and elaborate burials (Tsunoyama). They are presumed to be women's head cloths (Rowe). A great variety of sheer cotton head cloths in diverse techniques have come from Chancay graves, without provenience data.
Iconographic Meaning
The zigzag design may be an abstract version of the serpent.
Item History
What
- Name
- Head Cloth
- Identification Number
- Sf871
- Type of Item
- cloth
- Material
- cotton fibre
- Manufacturing Technique
- spun, sewn and woven
- Overall
- height 93.0 cm, width 72.0 cm
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Peru
When
- Creation Date
- between 900 and 1476
- Collection Date
- between 1949 and 1966
- Ownership Date
- before May 4, 1981
- Acquisition Date
- on May 4, 1981
Other
- Item Classes
- textiles
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 0711/0373