essay

Moche textile production on the Peruvian north coast: a contextual analysis

art and archaeology of the moche : an ancient andean society of the peruvian north coastAustin • Published In 2008 • Pages: 229-245

By: Millaire, Jean-François.

Abstract
The iconography of Moche textile production is compared to other archaeological evidence. A particular scene painted on a ritual vessel, a flaring bowl, shows a specialized weaving workshop with weavers on shaded benches around the sides of a courtyard. They use backstrap looms and multiple spindles with different colored yarns, producing shirts with sleeves and headdresses, probably funerary clothing. Three higher ranking individuals supervise the work, and there are two visitors. This bowl and other evidence indicate that particular garments were produced by specialists under supervision of religious or political officials. Interpretation of the use of Deer House at Pampa Grande in large-scale textile production is disputed. Archaeological evidence of textile production, frequently household production, from processing the cotton to the weaving is described.
Subjects
Cordage
Woven and other interworked fabrics
Textile industries
Special garments
Architecture
General tools
Occupational specialization
Labor relations
Visual arts
Social relationships and groups
Household
tradition
Moche
HRAF PubDate
2015
Region
South America
Sub Region
Central Andes
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Archaeologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
Analyst
Sarah Berry; 2013
Field Date
not specified
Coverage Date
2000-1200 BP (AD 1-800)
Coverage Place
Piura, Lambayeque, La Libertad and Ancash regions (north coast), Peru
Notes
Jean-François Millaire
Includes bibliographical references (p. 245)
LCCN
2008027539
LCSH
Moche (Peru)--Antiquities