Ancient Peruvian textiles /

This translation of a 1984 German edition is intended as an introduction to the techniques and symbolic meanings of ancient Peruvian textiles. The illustrations do an excellent job of conveying the beauty and diversity of the Andean textile tradition. Ancient Peruvian Textiles will prove most satisfactory for general readers seeking a general overview of the subject. Academic users will find a number of shortcomings. The discussion of traditional Peruvian mythologies is both sketchy and speculative, and many interpretive arguments are not well documented or supported. The treatment of Peruvian prehistory is oversimplified and sometimes out of date. For example, the discussion of the Early (``Chavin'') Horizon ignores important recent work, most notably that of Richard L. Burger (``The Radiocarbon Evidence for the Temporal Priority of Chavin de Huantar,'' American Antiquity, 1979). The most likely academic use is as a supplementary reading in an undergraduate survey course on Peruvian archaeology, where the book can provide a starting point for students writing term papers about some aspect of the textile tradition. Recommended especially for public libraries.-G.W. Conrad, Indiana University

Archaeologists have found numerous examples of fine Peruvian textiles dating from 1500 B.C. to 1200 B.C. Although generally used for clothing, furnishings, and as burial cloths, many of these textiles are also works of art distinguished by their innovative designs and original arrangement of colors. This beautiful work presents the variety of ancient Peruvian textiles and discusses the techniques used to produce them. Anton also examines the origins of the various ancient South American cultures (including Chavin, Paracas, Nazca, and Inca) and considers how their divine images, such as the jaguar, snake, and bird, are reflected in their textile art. More than 300 black-and-white and color photos enhance the text. Notes, chronology, bibliography, and index. JMM. 746'.0985 Indians of South America-Peru-Textile industry and fabrics / Indians of South America-Peru-Art [OCLC] 86-50780