An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Cloth with Procession of Figures170 BCE–70 CE (radiocarbon date, 95% probability)
Experts agree that this cloth is one of the greatest paintings to survive from Andean antiquity due to the realism, complexity, large size, and refined execution of its figures. All but one of the figures wear the whiskered mouth mask of Nasca supernatural beings and several carry or wear severed human heads, which the Nasca linked to nature’s fruitfulness. Thus, the figures seem to represent supernatural forces or humans personifying such forces during a ritual devoted to agricultural fertility. Originally, the panel was attached along its upper edge to a dark blue cloth of equal size. The complete textile may have served as a mantle (a shawl-like garment), a hanging, or a funerary offering.
Characteristics of the pampas cat and the emperor tamarin monkey are visible in the marching figures.
cotton and pigment (field); camelid fiber (borders and fringe)
Overall: 69.8 x 280.7 cm (27 1/2 x 110 1/2 in.); Mounted: 78.7 x 290.2 cm (31 x 114 1/4 in.)
The Norweb Collection
Amidst the whispers of ancient Andean winds, a remarkable cloth emerges—a masterpiece that transcends time. Experts celebrate it as one of the most extraordinary paintings to have survived the ages, a testament to Andean artistry. The fabric, captivating and grand, draws the eye with its striking realism, intricate details, and figures that seem almost alive.
As one gazes upon the panel, the figures reveal themselves, adorned with the whiskered mouth masks of Nasca supernatural beings. Each face tells a story, a blend of human and myth that speaks of rituals woven into the very fabric of existence. Held in their grasp, several figures carry severed human heads, not as symbols of violence, but as sacred tokens linked to the earth's bounty—a tribute to nature's fruitfulness.
In this vibrant tapestry, these figures—be they ethereal spirits or earthly denizens—come together in a dance of reverence for agricultural fertility. They embody the very forces that nurture life, celebrating the cycle of planting and harvest that echoes through generations.
Originally, the cloth was part of something greater. Its upper edge once connected to a deep blue fabric, equally magnificent, creating a harmonious ensemble. This complete textile may have served a pivotal role in the Andean culture—perhaps a mantle draped over shoulders, a hanging that transformed spaces, or even a funerary offering, preserving the essence of those who had departed.
This cloth captures not just artistry, but the heart of a civilization deeply connected to the earth, evoking a sense of wonder, reflection, and inspiration—a reminder of the stories that bind us across time and culture.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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