Textiles of Peru Part #3: Patterns Symbols and Motifs
06-11-2024
Peruvian textiles are renowned for their vibrant use of colour along with intricately woven patterns and symbols. Before the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire the symbolism woven into textiles and a form of knotting (quipu) was a way of relaying and recording information. These textiles, passed on through the generations, were a mode of expression and communication, and the symbols and motifs repeatedly incorporated would relay stories that reflected region, identity, life events and spiritual beliefs.
Here we explore a few of the most commonly used symbols and their interpreted meanings:
X’s and O’s
X’s and O’s are considered as practice symbols for beginner weavers. Once proficient the weaver can start on more difficult motifs.
Diamonds
Diamonds are distinctive to the Umasbamba community and represents the region. Multiple diamond shapes also symbolise lakes, and if there’s another symbol within the diamond it reflects its importance in providing life and a good harvest.
Waves
Another symbol for water and creator of life.
Condor
In Incan culture the condor is thought to be a messenger from heaven. The use of the condor varies from each community, from aiding people when they are lost to receiving an important message from the spiritual realm.
Inti – Sun God
Inti the Sun God is represented in a symbol that looks like a geometrical radiating sun. The use of Inti represents care of people and mother earth.
Chakana
Chankana, also known as the Inca Cross, is an angular shape that represents seasons, values and gods. It is also the formation of a star constellation that can be clearly seen from the Andean mountains.
Hummingbirds
Two hummingbirds feeding one another symbolises love and nurturing. These can often be found on blankets from mother to child or on wedding quilts / blankets.
Hearts
A whole heart symbolises love and will often be woven into textiles for wedding gifts. A whole heart can also reveal that the weaver is married, while a half-heart represents that the weaver is single.
Red and White Circles
In Andean villages red and white circles represent the bulls used to plow the land. The old technique of using a pair of bulls to pull a wooden plow can still be seen in small villages.
Potato Flower
Andean communities are dependent on potato crops for survival. The region is home to thousands of varies and it is one of the only crops to successfully flourish in the harsh climate. The use of the potato flower shows thanks for this gift from the Sun God, Inti, for nourishment and good health.
Llamas & Alpacas
Motifs of llamas and alpacas can often be found on larger textiles to celebrate their vital importance to Andean communities for their quality fibres, to support with the carrying of goods and for their meat.
Pre and during the Inca Empire the use of textiles, woven and embroidered, have been used to convey stories, status, community and beliefs. Over the centuries the art has evolved to incorporate modern influences while maintaining its core connection to it ancestral past.
Today, there is great pride in preserving these long-established textile traditions and the next generation of textile designers and weavers are combining these age-old techniques with contemporary influences. Maximo Laura, is one example. He has become internationally recognised for his blend of ancestral weaving techniques and symbolism with contemporary Peruvian aesthetics.
Next week – Textiles of Peru Part #4: Andean Goods Today – Identifying Quality and Authenticity
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