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Mantle
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Buried in shaft-tombs, or rectangular sunken chambers, the Paracas dead were wrapped in layers of cloth and accompanied by pottery, food, and other offerings. The dry environment of the Paracas Peninsula helped preserve many of these textiles, including richly ornamented garments buried with important individuals. This mantle, probably worn like a cloak, relates closely to the tunic (CMA 1946.227) and long headband (CMA 1946.228) due to their shared imagery. Its double-headed bird motifs— embroidered in vivid red, blue, yellow, and green yarns—likely had symbolic significance, although the specific meaning remains unknown.
| Artist / Maker | Peru, South Coast, Paracas (Cavernas) style |
|---|---|
| Date | c. 300 BCE–200 CE |
| Culture / Origin | Peru, South Coast, Paracas (Cavernas) style |
| Medium | camelid fiber: plain weave with embroidery |
| Dimensions | Overall: 154.9 x 292.1 cm (61 x 115 in.); Mounted: 162.6 x 299.7 cm (64 x 118 in.) |
| Department | Textiles |
| Type | Textile |
About the Artist
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
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