2 cols

Nasca-Wari, artist, tunic fragment, 700–850, south coast Peru, camelid fiber. Gift of the Ernest Erickson Foundation, Inc.

 

1 cut requested e-m sally 8-8

 

typset copy

FOR 8/24

BROOKLYN MUSEUM PRESENTS ‘WEAVING ARTS’ TEXTILES w/1 cut

avv/gs set 8/9 #708647

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — A selection of textiles from the Southwestern United States and the Andean area of South America is on view through November 25, in the Brooklyn Museum’s Luce Visible Storage*Study Centre for American Art.

“Weaving Arts of the Americas,” an exhibition of 15 textile fragments, features examples of weaving that illustrate technical skill and religious iconography. From the Southwest, Pueblo textiles reflect the historical changes that took place before and after Spanish colonization, when new fibers and weaving techniques were introduced. An example of a pre–Hispanic Anasazi carrying cloth contrasts with late, more colorful textiles such as the ceremonial Navajo belt and Hopi dance kilt also on view.

In the Andes, a weaving tradition has continued through successive cultures for more than 5,000 years, producing vibrant textiles with representations of complex iconography, often representing real and supernatural animals.

Included in the presentation is a rare, painted cotton textile depicting the fanged Chavin diety, an image from one of the earliest known belief systems that flourished in Peru about 400 BCE.

Embroidered examples from the subsequent Paracas coastal culture are on view as well as textiles from a variety of other cultures, including Nasca, Wari and Chimu. All portray examples of abstract and realistic figures that were part of the ceremonial nature of these societies. Two paintings representing Inca kings in full regalia illustrate the continuity of the pre-Columbian weaving tradition into the colonial era.

“Weaving Arts of the Americas” has been organized by Georgia de Havenon, research associate, Arts of the Americas collection. Other examples from the Brooklyn Museum’s holdings of Andean textiles are on view in the Hall of the Americas.

Brooklyn Museum is at 200 Eastern Parkway. For more information, 718-638-5000 or www.brooklynmuseum.org.