Overview

In the world of the ancient Andes, textiles were often the most valuable commodity people possessed--far beyond gold and silver--and they were a major medium for conveying critical cultural meaning. Textiles of the Andes features a wealth of rare and exquisite pieces, many of great iconographic and technical importance, ranging in date from the Paracas to the Inca and Colonial periods, from 200 BC to the late 18th century. Examples of contemporary Andean textiles complement the early pieces and illustrate the continuity of weaving traditions in the Andes. - Detailed photos show each textile in full - Glossary of technical analysis for designers - Authoritative introduction by an expert in the field provides a context for appreciating and enjoying the superb and varied designs

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9781566568593

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Reviews

...gorgeous photographs of historical pieces from the British Museum along with thoughtful and up-to-date commentary on the history and textile techniques of the peoples of the Andes. The pieces covered range from 200 B.C.E. to the late 18th century C.E. and encompass multiple cultures that lived in the Andes region, including Nasca, Wari, and Inca. Many books or catalogs of similar collections are either out of print or contain mainly black-and-white photographs, so it is a pleasure to see a new book covering this important area with over 100 color photographs. There is a glossary of terms and an excellent selected reading list of books and articles. The impeccable credentials of two British experts-University of Wales professor Dransart, author of Earth, Water, Fleece and Fabric (2002), and the British Museum's Wolfe-define the subject of, and explain the illustrations used in, this informative guide. Using the collection of the British Museum as their main inspiration, the authors set the stage by identifying the geography and time line on which they focus their survey of Andean textiles (Colombia to Chile, 200 BC to the late eighteenth century). Those unfamiliar with loom and off-loom weaving are treated to brief descriptions of color, techniques, and structure, along with a narrative about the division of labor and rites of passage for weavers. This overview leads to examples and item-by-item descriptions (date, 'title, ' size, geography, description, and short commentary). Textile freaks and artists, enjoy!

...gorgeous photographs of historical pieces from the British Museum along with thoughtful and up-to-date commentary on the history and textile techniques of the peoples of the Andes. The pieces covered range from 200 B.C.E. to the late 18th century C.E. and encompass multiple cultures that lived in the Andes region, including Nasca, Wari, and Inca. Many books or catalogs of similar collections are either out of print or contain mainly black-and-white photographs, so it is a pleasure to see a new book covering this important area with over 100 color photographs. There is a glossary of terms and an excellent selected reading list of books and articles.-- Library Journal The impeccable credentials of two British experts-University of Wales professor Dransart, author of Earth, Water, Fleece and Fabric (2002), and the British Museum's Wolfe-define the subject of, and explain the illustrations used in, this informative guide. Using the collection of the British Museum as their main inspiration, the authors set the stage by identifying the geography and time line on which they focus their survey of Andean textiles (Colombia to Chile, 200 BC to the late eighteenth century). Those unfamiliar with loom and off-loom weaving are treated to brief descriptions of color, techniques, and structure, along with a narrative about the division of labor and rites of passage for weavers. This overview leads to examples and item-by-item descriptions (date, 'title, ' size, geography, description, and short commentary). Textile freaks and artists, enjoy!-- Booklist

Author Information

Penelope Dransart is the author of Earth, Water, Fleece and Fabric. Helen Wolfe is the Textile Collections Manager in the Department of Africa, Oceania and the Americas of the British Museum.

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