from grave in necropolis at Ancon, Peru
This was excavated by German antiquarians Reiss and Stuebel during the 1880s at the necropolis at Ancon, on the Peruvian coast. It had been a decorative tassel for a thin, gauze-like garment in a 'mummy bundle'.
This woollen ornament is in the form of a stylised human face, fringed with a 'headdress' and with tassels of various lengths extending below. The face has been made by fine, elaborate stitching.
The Ancon necropolis contained hundreds of 'mummy bundles' - people buried crouched, and wrapped in textiles, with a false head attached, and accompanied by possessions, in underground chambers. They span several centuries to around 1500.
To search on related items, click any underlined text below.