The Chancay people lived in the central coastal region of Peru during the Late Intermediate Period (1000-1460 CE), where they were prolific, highly skilled weavers best-known for complex, finely woven textiles. The Chancay wrapped their dead with multiple layers of fine clothing and elaborate fabrics, which have been well-preserved from ancient times by the arid coastal climate … [Read more...] about “Chancay Dolls” and Ancient Andean Textiles: Researched by Vinita Williams
The story behind the figures in this display unfortunately starts with the looting of ancient tombs, as looters have ravaged the ancient graves of the Chancay culture (1000-1460 CE). In their haste, the looters often ripped apart the delicate textiles that they were attempting to steal. In the 20th century, Peruvian Mestizo (mixed Spanish and indigenous ancestry) artisans … [Read more...] about Textiles of the Chancay Culture: Researched by Lindsay Werner
BEFORE CONSERVATION AFTER CONSERVATION These two figures, known popularly as “Chancay dolls,” are not ancient objects but 20th century and contemporary figures made by Peruvian Mestizo (mixed Native and Spanish ancestry) artisans using scraps of ancient Chancay textiles. The Chancay were an Andean culture that flourished from 1000 to 1460 CE in … [Read more...] about “Chancay Dolls”: Researched and Conserved by Jonathan Kohlhorst and Sophie Grus