Pre-Columbian, Central Coast Peru, Pachacamac, ca. 1000 CE. A beautiful coca bag comprised of camelid (alpaca or llama wool) fibers, depicting a mesmerizing decorative program consisting of three horizontal bands of aquatic birds known as cormorants or shags catching fish in black, golden yellow, and pink on a crimson ground. Many cultures regard cormorants as symbols of indulgence and nobility. Some consider cormorants to be good luck charms for fishermen. Museum quality conserved and mounted on black fabric covered wooden stretchers. Size: 20.5" W x 8.375" H (52.1 cm x 21.3 cm); 26" W x 12" H (66 cm x 30.5 cm) including mount
Pachacamac is located on the Peruvian coast approximately 32 kilometers south of Lima. It was a sacred site, as well as an oracle, and place of burial, that pilgrims from numerous ancient Andean cultures visited, including the Incas. Active for more than 2,000 years, this site was named after the god Pacha Kamaq who was worshipped as the "Maker of the Earth" by these coastal peoples and was also associated with powerful earthquakes. According to indigenous mythology, Pachacamac had defeated Con, the rival creator god who as a form of punishment for humankind's evilness had stopped all rainfall. Pachacamac resorted to transforming the human race into animals and subsequently created an entirely new race of men and women. Some versions of the myth tell of the god sending four stars to earth. Two of the stars were male and became kings and nobility. The other two stars were female and became common folk.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany
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#144363
Condition
Some expected staining - some loose and lost threads as shown, but overall the textile has strong integrity and the imagery and colors are quite nice. Museum quality conserved and mounted on fabric covered wooden stretchers.