1
10
35
-
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/47861c83e41f08a899df30e27db7505f.jpg
2ddfb6f9e838f65563ca1e7cabe270e5
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/a5a636a2a151602ad69ac4498dac3595.jpg
ec9d8742fb3b4de81c047568b08d11f1
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/122a9dd5bb0e197c65bbaa023a3b7d2a.jpg
e0716abe065fd498da8d1bd9666eebeb
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/fd842a946bebf96f15ac903d464fd54a.jpg
6640fa1384c38cbfc4cefff640d7ebe7
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/7093121749ee7f7b90f88bb37aefe604.jpg
b8ea8dbb3c8087a6d59ecec382ba429f
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/410d1bd85ad63d5a94de1daa59fd8752.jpg
fe464b1d9971fe2eb8de42fe4e20dd5b
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/9bf9f3a8c541fbd1ec73ef7a6c9e1bec.jpg
2dbe814e32f6a2fe4d9fac03e4e7405c
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Description
An account of the resource
Prior to treatment, the many fragments of the doublecloth fragments were stored in archival boxes.
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Photo courtesy of Renée Stein
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/7dd22b283f61df01fdac952a22b4c1e9.jpg
25a1fdf22e4037d460bde3425b687896
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Photo courtesy of Renée Stein
Subject
The topic of the resource
Before bathing, the water-sensitivity of dyes in doublecloth were tested.
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/a91a9e98e134dea3d599e724daef18eb.wav
d5092c5461ada7cb8db97a494b7495bd
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
ayni
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Ancient Peru
Threads of Time Item
This item type contains fields for the works in the Threads of Time exhibition.
Geographic Area
South America, Central Andes
Culture
Chancay
Date
Late Intermediate Period, ca. 1000–1470 AD
Materials
Cotton, camelid fiber
Credit Line
Ex coll. C. Clay and Virginia Aldridge
Accession Number
2002.1.37A/B
Exhibition Checklist Number
This number will sort the collections.
312
Technical Notes
Related notes on the object's conservation and treatment by Michael C. Carlos Museum objects conservator Renée Stein.
<p>During burial, perhaps in contact with decaying organic material, this doublecloth textile broke into many fragments, with some large areas of loss. The 11 surviving fragments were carefully cleaned to remove accumulated dirt and grime. Each fragment was gently vacuumed using a low suction High Efficiency Particulate (HEPA) filter vacuum. After confirming the dyes were not water-sensitive, the fragments were repeatedly bathed to remove acidic dirt and deterioration products. A surfactant (anionic detergent) was added to the bath water to help lift dirt off of the fibers and into the water to be washed away. Removing the embedded dirt improved the overall appearance, considerably brightening white threads and lightening dark stains. With repeated rinsing, the textile returned to a more neutral pH, which will promote its long-term preservation. </p>
<p>Former student interns Arden Davis and Rebecca Levitan produced a short online presentation about the cleaning project, called Ancient Laundry (<a href="http://carlos.emory.edu/conservation/case-studies/ancient-american/ancient-laundry-podcast">http://carlos.emory.edu/conservation/case-studies/ancient-american/ancient-laundry-podcast</a>). <br /><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wWN5bTXz514"></iframe> <br />After bathing, the fragments were dried under clean cloths, which helped to draw more staining out of the textiles through contact and evaporation. The cleaned fragments were then realigned according the their shapes and patterns, suggesting the overall object dimension. Patricia Ewer then stitched the fragments and secured the frayed edges to a pair of padded, wrapped aluminum panels which will serve as display mounts and permanent storage supports. She worked with curator Dr. Rebecca Stone to select a section of the object that would be rolled back over a padded form to reveal the reverse color pattern on the other side of the doublecloth. <br /><br /></p>
<p>For more conservation information, please see <a href="/exhibits/show/conservation/project">The Threads of Time Conservation Project</a>.</p>
Photo Credit
Photos by Michael McKelvey, 2017
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
<p>Doublecloth Fragments with Llamas and Herders</p>
Description
An account of the resource
The principle of <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><em>ayni</em></span>—reciprocity, dualism, interlockedness— is consummately expressed in cloth such as this, a doublecloth dating to ca. 1000–1470 AD. Its patterns play out in indigo and white, a dualistic color choice, and in the plain-weave technique in which the horizontal warps and vertical wefts are equal partners. Moreover, in doublecloth there are actually two woven cloths, united as one; weavers sit on either side of a loom and create separate fabrics, except when they exchange one color of thread for the other to form the pattern of herders and llamas. In other words, blue areas on this face are white on the other face; likewise, white llamas are blue on the other side. This is a perfect expression of <em>ayni</em>, being the same pattern but in reversed colors.<br /><br />Further, the interdependence of humans and camels is true <em>ayni</em>. The llama is the large, domesticated New World camel, one of the ancestors of the Old World camels and dromedaries. Humans can only survive in the high altitude, dry climes of the Andes with the help of the hearty llamas and wooly alpacas. People depend on their abundant fur to make clothing to defy the cold night temperatures, meat for protein, dung for fuel, and sinews for ties, among other things. This piece shows herders with llamas on lead lines, bringing them from one pasture to another since time immemorial.
-
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/e628706c0597cd45436de555e7cba154.jpg
fee52d0f8d969d67303017024e80685f
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/eb104515bed81cb3870df48feee4424c.wav
d5092c5461ada7cb8db97a494b7495bd
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
ayni
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Ancient Peru
Threads of Time Item
This item type contains fields for the works in the Threads of Time exhibition.
Geographic Area
South America, Central Andes, Central Coast
Culture
Chimú
Date
Late Intermediate Period, ca. 1100-1470 AD
Materials
Cotton, camelid fiber
Credit Line
Gift in memory of John C. and Nora Wise
Accession Number
2002.8.1
Exhibition Checklist Number
This number will sort the collections.
312-02
Photo Credit
Photo by Bruce M. White, 2013
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Textile with Pelican Shaman
Description
An account of the resource
This brocaded cloth features a supernatural pelican-man. Still bright after over five hundred years, scarlet highlights the standing figure’s face and the many little pelicans that sit on his arms and emerge magically from/as his body. The two slightly different reds in the face area show that this textile was made in two parts later sewn together; this additive process was certainly not concealed. This piece was one of at least four matching panels (now held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Cleveland Museum of Art). The piecemeal assembly process was employed by the Chimú Empire, with different subjects involved in the production of a single luxury item given as tribute to royalty and elites. One person made one half of this piece, another the other, with the seam and the slight mismatch between the parts as evidence of their distinct contributions. In addition, showing the two parts combining to make a single figure embodies an important idea that runs through Andean culture and thought: <em><span style="text-decoration:underline;">ayni</span></em>, or the dualistic relationship of one part to another to make up a balanced whole. Two half-faces coming together, even if not perfectly, embodies this idea visually. Ayni is not only found in art, but is basic to human survival in the Andean environment, where reciprocal helping of others is the only way to thrive in the various altitudes and ecozones.
Introduction
-
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/0e856de42ed4d875d925d6d895be91ff.jpg
45bfe382720b7a5d9c20fa088f253e66
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/ec43cf093668b2f3080b6726ad6ec481.jpg
1aac317330a4e2c2b8504a6dba9c2f06
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/3621ff3925aa3616bc3c0b13bbb7b0cf.wav
797c77472b714c7d98aebb31ea3dcd0b
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
khipu
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Ancient Peru
Threads of Time Item
This item type contains fields for the works in the Threads of Time exhibition.
Geographic Area
South America, Central Andes, Central Coast
Culture
Inka
Date
Late Horizon, ca. 1430-1534 AD
Materials
Cotton
Credit Line
Ex coll. C. Clay and Virginia Aldridge
Accession Number
2002.1.130
Exhibition Checklist Number
This number will sort the collections.
312-04
Photo Credit
Photo by Bruce M. White, 2016
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Polychrome <em>Khipu</em> (Knot Writing Device)
Description
An account of the resource
<p>Writing—recording information in a format that others at the time and later can decipher—was accomplished by the Inka Empire of South America using thousands of knotted string devices known as <i><span style="text-decoration:underline;">khipu</span></i>. In the Carlos collection there are two other examples of the knot writing (<a href="/items/show/51">multi</a>- and <a href="/items/show/50">single-strand</a>) that helped the Inka conquer more than 3,000 miles of territory and twelve million subjects in less than a century (1428–1534 AD).</p>
<p>In this <i>khipu</i>, the main horizontal cord is read from left to right. As in Western mathematics, the Inka used a base-ten numerical system. Hanging down from the main cord are variously colored pendant cords with different types of knots arranged in registers. These record numbers, here the largest being “160” and the smallest “1” (see attached diagram file). Numbers can and were used primarily as codes—much like the binary code of 0’s and 1’s in modern computers—to delineate many types of information.</p>
<p>Though the Spanish never learned to read <i>khipu</i>, they did record that the Inka used them to record the amount of food in storehouses, census data, tribute, history, astronomy, and even poetry. While scholars are still working on the existing 850 examples of <i>khipu </i>to decipher their meanings, new archaeological findings include some <i>khipu </i>piled on top of maize kernels and others on top of beans, providing a tantalizing clue that may begin to unravel the way in which the Inka used threads to record various kinds</p>
<p> </p>
Introduction
-
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/d3cb4d9db5ffee6150acffacd5fc2051.jpg
2966ed10380c56970a9ca8ec4cc2a64f
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/86da9fe1d4ac58e303715d68e2f00104.jpg
48a93af6389fb592a218a345a60566ab
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Description
An account of the resource
Only a small sample is needed for fiber microscopy and dating.
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Photo courtesy of Renée Stein
Subject
The topic of the resource
Single-Strand <em>Khipu</em> Wrapping Detail
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/8118861ab9e439491b188db3d343c121.jpg
853b8fa079152f0d911629a3a27052c4
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Description
An account of the resource
Only a small sample is needed for fiber microscopy and dating.
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Photo courtesy of Renée Stein
Subject
The topic of the resource
Single-Strand <em>Khipu</em> Dating Sample
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/b5f0c282626401bb4c7816e8d0be06c9.wav
797c77472b714c7d98aebb31ea3dcd0b
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
khipu
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Ancient Peru
Threads of Time Item
This item type contains fields for the works in the Threads of Time exhibition.
Geographic Area
South America, Central Andes
Culture
Inka/Neo-Inka
Date
Late Horizon/Early Colonial, ca. 1508-1652 AD
Materials
Plant fiber (<em>furcraea andina</em>)
Credit Line
Ex coll. C. Clay and Virginia Aldridge
Accession Number
2002.1.40
Exhibition Checklist Number
This number will sort the collections.
312-05
Technical Notes
Related notes on the object's conservation and treatment by Michael C. Carlos Museum objects conservator Renée Stein.
<p>The single strand <i>khipu</i> measures approximately 2-3 millimeters in diameter and is constructed from a 2-ply bundled cord, which is wrapped with an additional bundled cord, which includes occasional blue fibers. Conservator Ashley Jehle examined small samples of these blue fibers using a polarizing light microscope and characterized them as animal fibers. The deteriorated condition of the scale pattern prevented identification of the species, which is likely to be camelid, given the date. Small samples from the bundled cord and wrapping fibers were sent to Dr. Simon Lægaard of Aarhus University in Denmark. Using microscopy techniques, Dr. Lægaard identified both as leaf fibers from <i>Furcraea Andina</i>, as identified in the <a href="/items/show/1">Feather Fan</a>. Jehle also sent approximately 0.01g of plant fiber from the <i>khipu</i> to The Center for Applied Isotope Studies at the University of Georgia, Athens for radiocarbon (C-14) analysis by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) and stable isotope ratio analysis. Dr. Alexander Cherkinsky reported the calibrated date as between 1508-1652 CE. <br /><br /></p>
<p>For more conservation information, please see <a href="/exhibits/show/conservation/project">The Threads of Time Conservation Project</a>.</p>
<p></p>
Photo Credit
Photo by Bruce M. White, 2011
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Single-Strand <em>Khipu</em> (Knot Writing Device)
Description
An account of the resource
<p>A writing device—fulfilling the communicative purpose of recording and transmitting knowledge among trained individuals over time—the Inka <i><span style="text-decoration:underline;">khipu</span> </i>can take a number of forms (a <a href="/items/show/51">mono</a>- and <a href="/items/show/49">polychrome</a> example). In the ways that a handwritten poem and a printed technical manual differ, textile writing, too, was adaptable to a wide range of uses and audiences in Inka times.</p>
<p>The odd plant-fiber strand with unusual knots, has been scientifically dated to between 1508 and 1652 AD; therefore, it is an authentic Inka-to-early-Colonial object. Yet, unlike other <i>khipu</i>, it is entirely made of strands of <i>Furcreae andina</i>, a succulent whose stringy leaves can be made into fiber objects. Comprising only one cord, rather than a main cord with others hanging from it, makes it unique as well. Furthermore, the knots are made backwards.</p>
<p>All these strange features defy exact explanation, but its possible date, as late as 1652, may indicate that in the first century after the Inka downfall writing had changed dramatically without their strict control over communication. Clearly shifts in almost every aspect of the <i>khipu </i>had taken place soon after the Spanish takeover.</p>
Introduction
-
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/71456fa29f1309a500635e608dabf2e3.jpg
c317731d7578e427c1a2c3e12ba56803
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/ae0be4166ee27904ae7b6924559748dd.JPG
7422063df82b68563bcee4480b45d5d1
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Description
An account of the resource
Textile Conservator Patricial Ewer stitched each of the 220 pendant cords of this <em>khipu</em> to a wrapped support board.
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Photo courtesy of Renée Stein
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/c0dedfb496ef0ee01ed40c3a42b4ec17.jpg
3f9eb8fdd5e595621b5554cc6d8f5adb
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Description
An account of the resource
Boards made from aluminum panel or archival cardboard are padded and wrapped in cotton cloth.
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Photo courtesy of Renée Stein
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/10e93d8a770fbf62f1b5b95872d78e5c.jpg
217b207de6ceed1acc898637a716ae5e
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Image courtesy of the Royal Library, Copenhagen
Subject
The topic of the resource
Drawing by Felipe Guaman Poma de Ayala of the Inka ruler (left) being shown the accounts of the storehouses’ contents by a royal accountant or <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">khipukamayok</span> </em>(right).
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/4eabca9f20f8ada0fe3e0307a737bdbc.wav
797c77472b714c7d98aebb31ea3dcd0b
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
khipu
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Ancient Peru
Threads of Time Item
This item type contains fields for the works in the Threads of Time exhibition.
Geographic Area
South America, Central Andes
Culture
Inka/Neo-Inka
Date
Early Colonial ca. 1489-1652 AD
Materials
Cotton
Credit Line
Ex coll. C. Clay and Virginia Aldridge
Accession Number
2002.1.118
Exhibition Checklist Number
This number will sort the collections.
312-06
Technical Notes
Related notes on the object's conservation and treatment by Michael C. Carlos Museum objects conservator Renée Stein.
<p>This <em>khipu</em> was completely stitched to a fabric-covered board in order to align and fully support each element. Small fragile fragments, such as the <a href="/items/show/44">Wari-related tapestry fragment</a>, were also fully stitched to wrapped boards. The secondary support board is a lightweight aluminum panel, padded with a layer of polyester batting and then covered with the cotton display cloth. When possible, objects were only stitched along one edge to permit viewing of the reverse. The stitched fragments will remain on the boards for future storage, examination, and display. Less fragile objects were temporarily placed on wrapped boards for this exhibition. These supports are made from archival corrugated and foam-core boards, padded and wrapped as the aluminum panels. <br /><br /></p>
<p>For more conservation information, please see <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><a href="/exhibits/show/conservation/project">The Threads of Time Conservation Project</a></span>.</p>
Photo Credit
Photo by Bruce M. White, 2011
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Decimal <em>Khipu</em> (Knot Writing Device)
Description
An account of the resource
<p>It may seem odd that the distinctively Inka mode of writing in knotted threads would survive the Spanish invasion and colonization. Indeed, in 1581 the <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><i>khipu</i></span><i> </i>was officially outlawed, although its use went underground and has not completely disappeared to this day. The large yet still fragmentary example very likely dates to the early colonial times, according to a Carbon-14 date that places it between 1489 and 1652 AD.</p>
<p>While it still could predate the 1534 conquest, a number of unusual features in comparison to solidly Inka ones (<a href="/items/show/50">a single-strand</a> and a <a href="/items/show/49">polychrome</a>) strongly suggest it post-dates the Inka Empire. This one records only the numbers between 1 and 5, unlike the classic <i>khipu </i>with numbers as high as 160 at far right. Its main cord has been cut in two places which would never have been done in ancient times; cutting thread or cloth was considered to be breaking its life force and disrespecting its integrity. These features suggest that this example is a later, simpler version of knot writing, as it was changing under the Spanish (who certainly cut cloth to tailor their clothing).</p>
Introduction
-
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/54ba46c08497e627b3c74685c9a28512.jpg
3afaddc4c18c60099d4af76493aa6dbc
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/78b91e59268ae1b5f42d39f71f777889.jpg
2baf0c7d55e2b6bd33fb186b0420fb0a
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/28551cf382728e70e01effca851a465f.jpg
303c9247158a86d86be67e05a0ebede7
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/b8ae7f5f14ec5987d3892da353a4ec44.wav
d1a3ea60df1406788d4449088c638ded
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
qumpi
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/c8dc0f583b1dcd01012d09a4ee121325.wav
5d59c565ad10bdbacfef550e22c55bb4
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
ukhu
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Ancient Peru
Threads of Time Item
This item type contains fields for the works in the Threads of Time exhibition.
Geographic Area
South America, Central Andes, Central Coast
Culture
Chancay
Date
Late Intermediate Period, ca.1000-1470 AD
Materials
Reed, cotton, camelid fiber
Credit Line
Ex coll. C. Clay and Virginia Aldridge
Accession Number
2002.1.147
Exhibition Checklist Number
This number will sort the collections.
312-09
Photo Credit
Photo by Bruce M. White, 2014
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Female Figure
Description
An account of the resource
<p>Several hundred of these effigy figures, completely made from fiber, remain from graves in the dry coastal sands of the Chancay Valley in central Perú. Reeds provide the basic structure, which is then dressed in miniature garments—here a skirt, belt, and blouse woven using three different techniques. A tapestry face with an embroidered nose and a wig of hair complete the lifelike rendition of a well-dressed woman from ca. 1000 AD.</p>
<p>Effigy figures such as this are not dolls. They were placed in the burials of adult women and wear special clothes made from <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><i>qumpi</i>,</span> the finest cloth. Miniature textiles are even more difficult to weave than full-size ones. Here, the figure likely wears a version of her owner’s outfit, a companion—and perhaps near-portrait—of a specific woman. Many different face patterns characterize the remaining Chancay fiber figures.</p>
<p>Another important Andean concept is also embodied in this tiny figure: <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><i>ukhu</i>,</span> the importance of things that are normally hidden. You can see that her arms, and even fingers, were wrapped with thread to cover the reed armature, one manifestation of creative hiding by wrapping. Yet under her skirt one can barely see that her legs and toes were also wrapped, even though they cannot be seen under the long skirt. This is a widespread Native American impulse to finish all parts of a figure, to honor and make the image “true” to its subject. Hidden completion is true of human bodies as well (physically muscles are under skin, and in society certain body parts are routinely covered). What is not visible is understood as important, as <i>ukhu </i>communicates.</p>
-
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/1032a570d4038f48ec171816845e376d.jpg
90ba261e893bde6f68e6ea30a8ef7f22
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/ac2a4e3120854936ecaf03c8749ed648.jpg
f259225f57c037d784fd3b036c7626b3
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/92122d3ede42dc10c7a24109fb7b6567.jpg
1f658b6d2b686678771d37ace0c91bbf
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/1f9e58566ba18c6af60bbf5c8d74984a.jpg
5d4d409b0118828bd0c07d0af3d77e43
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Description
An account of the resource
The complex weave structure includes a voided grid pattern with added tassels and disks.
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Photo courtesy of Renée Stein
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/4a42083b6c129ce721439717fda57255.jpg
2865d58c64bef39ec0e582c6b8012851
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Description
An account of the resource
The sheer nylon backing is visible on top of fabric-wrapped support board along the upper edge of this detail image.
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Photo courtesy of Renée Stein
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/2c2db80297ed36388438daed1c9513ad.wav
a2503be17158b935d115297c30f4be10
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Quechua
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/5cb657cb43d29b9b5b39d0a40c1bacac.wav
5d59c565ad10bdbacfef550e22c55bb4
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
ukhu
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/88014c5c7a3b6e308bf31f9d02df0baa.wav
510973ea68033b6d612bccba28662c8f
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
cochineal
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Ancient Peru
Threads of Time Item
This item type contains fields for the works in the Threads of Time exhibition.
Geographic Area
South America, Central Andes, North Coast
Culture
<p>Pacatnamú</p>
Date
Late Intermediate Period, ca. 900-1300 AD
Credit Line
Gift of Cindy Karp
Accession Number
2004.64.1A (larger fragment)
2004.64.1B (smaller fragment)
Exhibition Checklist Number
This number will sort the collections.
312-10
Technical Notes
Related notes on the object's conservation and treatment by Michael C. Carlos Museum objects conservator Renée Stein.
<span>The red tasseled fragment has a very complex weave structure, with tapestry designs hidden by the added tassels. The grid pattern and floating disks created many openings (slits) in the tapestry as well as repeated areas of exposed warps. This complex structure is vulnerable and requires support for display and study. Yet, it is crucial to be able to examine the reverse, so the object could not be fully stitched to a secondary support. Instead, Patricia Ewer stitched the very fragile tassled textile to a sheer nylon backing, stabilizing the structure while also allowing the back to be examined. This lined fragment was then placed onto a fabric-wrapped padded support for display at a slight angle inside the exhibition case. <br /><br /></span>For more conservation information, please see <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><a href="/exhibits/show/conservation/project">The Threads of Time Conservation Project</a></span>.
Materials
Cotton, camelid fiber
Photo Credit
Photos by Bruce M. White, 2008
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Red Tasseled Tunic Fragments
Description
An account of the resource
<p><span>The two fragments of this tunic from the far north coast of Perú are shown with the larger remaining portion facing out and the smaller one showing the side worn toward the wearer’s body. In other words, the whole tunic was covered with red tassels that almost entirely obscured the tiny woven multicolor figures (see the drawing above). This conscious choice, made around a thousand years ago on the coast of Perú, corresponds to the <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span>Quechua</span></span> concept of <i><span><span style="text-decoration:underline;">ukhu</span></span></i> or the hidden potentially revealed.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span>The deliberate hiding, and the implication that the art therefore does not necessarily cater to a human audience, is central to traditional Andean thought. In the religious orientation known as shamanism, which was embraced by all Native Americans, the vitally true visions experienced by the spiritual leaders are hidden from others; insight comes from other cosmic realms. Spirits play a key role in shamanic belief and so making everything perceptually available for humans is not paramount.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span>This tunic also celebrated an immense wealth of scarlet red thread, laboriously dyed from tens of thousands of crushed <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span>cochineal</span></span> beetles. Under its expanse, in a further act of conspicuous consumption, the figures are woven of high-prestige indigo blue and other colors. To have so much time, access to the finest dyes and weavers, and to withhold it from others is a true act of power, the basis of <i>ukhu</i>.</span></p>
<p></p>
-
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/6276865b2edca8494abcfb7214eb61f7.jpg
2508423ef5f6aeda0aff9ffff9e7c878
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/d050c80ee0a8fed1eb06762cde5c1ad5.wav
37a837ed58b5b210582da7773966810b
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
tumi
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/08c41ed872ccfd95e471af3552313db5.wav
5d59c565ad10bdbacfef550e22c55bb4
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
ukhu
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Ancient Peru
Threads of Time Item
This item type contains fields for the works in the Threads of Time exhibition.
Geographic Area
South America, Central Andes
Culture
Inka
Date
Late Horizon, ca. 1428-1534 AD
Materials
Bronze (copper tin alloy)
Credit Line
Gift of William C. and Carol W. Thibadeau
Accession Number
1989.8.51
Exhibition Checklist Number
This number will sort the collections.
312-11
Technical Notes
Related notes on the object's conservation and treatment by Michael C. Carlos Museum objects conservator Renée Stein.
<p>Metal objects, (see also <a href="http://34.193.12.70/items/show/14"></a><em></em><a href="http://34.193.12.70/items/show/15">Sicán </a><em><a href="http://34.193.12.70/items/show/15">Tumi</a></em> and <a href="http://34.193.12.70/items/show/16">Earspools</a>), corrode in burial environments due to exposure to moisture and salts in the ground. Some corrosion can be very destructive, causing loss of surface detail or extensive damage. Stable corrosion that forms on the surface can, however, be protective and may preserve evidence, including the weave pattern of textiles that were wrapped around the metal objects for burial. The textile is replaced by corrosion pseudo morphs that reproduce the weave. Close examination of the corrosion products on the large tumi revealed a weft-faced plainweave. The organic fibers of the textile do not typically survive, but some fibers remain trapped within the corrosion products on the earspools and llama tumi. Under magnification, using a stereobinocular microscope and transmitted light microscope, it is possible to see characteristic twist of cotton fibers. <br /><br /></p>
<p>For more conservation information, please see <a href="/exhibits/show/conservation/project">The Threads of Time Conservation Project</a>.</p>
Photo Credit
Photo by Michael McKelvey
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
<em>Tumi</em> (Ceremonial Knife) with Llama Head
Description
An account of the resource
<p>It may seem odd that a textile exhibition should include several metal objects. However, this ceremonial knife with a crescent-shaped blade (known as a <i><span style="text-decoration:underline;">tumi</span></i><span style="text-decoration:underline;">)</span> shows clear evidence of having been wrapped in textiles in antiquity. This Inka <i>tumi</i> takes the form of a llama, the long-necked camelid that is the quintessential Andean pack animal, and remains of the cloth in which it was wrapped appear on both sides of the blade. The distinctive pattern of a plain-weave cloth—each set of threads going over and under the other—is now preserved in metal. An earlier <a href="http://34.193.12.70/items/show/15">Sicán tumi</a><i> </i>is almost completely covered with pseudomorphs. These “pseudomorphs”—meaning elements that have become part of a piece after manufacture—form during burial, when organic materials are either encased or replaced by corrosion products, retaining the form and appearance of the original materials within the mineralized layers. Pseudomorphs preserve the original weave structures, show the diameter and spin-ply of threads, and even suggest whether cotton or camelid fiber was utilized. Sometimes fragments of the actual ancient cloth survive within the corrosion, as seen on <a href="http://34.193.12.70/items/show/16">earspools</a> with spider motifs. This wrapping of other precious objects expresses the concept of <i><span style="text-decoration:underline;">ukhu</span></i><span style="text-decoration:underline;">,</span> the dialectic of hiding and revealing so important in the Andean tradition.</p>
-
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/c6e840429bdd1fd9f386f7ccdcb4abb9.jpg
4f1186c7d801af79aee592137931cda8
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/43e75a27294a4cb620e000f1a52afb92.jpg
ec1f228070ffe8f5ccaefbc89e852d4b
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/4084b5d5e9490e36f155f0c9d510da46.jpg
dbd20ddb2a586d36f59a826a5094e8b6
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Description
An account of the resource
The weave pattern is preserved in the corrosion on the <em>tumi</em> in shape of Sicán lord.
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Photo courtesy of Renée Stein
Subject
The topic of the resource
Sicán Tumi Metal Corrosion
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/f1bea7803400b59fb9b29b579982064a.wav
37a837ed58b5b210582da7773966810b
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Tumi
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/5e721ce97dba5657329639e3e1aefff4.wav
5d59c565ad10bdbacfef550e22c55bb4
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
ukhu
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Ancient Peru
Threads of Time Item
This item type contains fields for the works in the Threads of Time exhibition.
Geographic Area
South America, Central Andes, North Coast
Culture
Sicán
Date
Late Intermediate Period, Middle Sicán, 1050-1100 AD
Materials
Bronze (copper arsenic alloy)
Credit Line
Gift of Cora W. and Laurence C. Witten II
Accession Number
1994.18.33
Exhibition Checklist Number
This number will sort the collections.
312-12
Technical Notes
Related notes on the object's conservation and treatment by Michael C. Carlos Museum objects conservator Renée Stein.
<p>Metal objects, (see also <a href="http://34.193.12.70/items/show/14">Llama </a><em><a href="http://34.193.12.70/items/show/14">Tumi</a></em> and <a href="http://34.193.12.70/items/show/16">Earspools</a>), corrode in burial environments due to exposure to moisture and salts in the ground. Some corrosion can be very destructive, causing loss of surface detail or extensive damage. Stable corrosion that forms on the surface can, however, be protective and may preserve evidence, including the weave pattern of textiles that were wrapped around the metal objects for burial. The textile is replaced by corrosion pseudo morphs that reproduce the weave. Close examination of the corrosion products on the large tumi revealed a weft-faced plainweave. The organic fibers of the textile do not typically survive, but some fibers remain trapped within the corrosion products on the earspools and llama tumi. Under magnification, using a stereobinocular microscope and transmitted light microscope, it is possible to see characteristic twist of cotton fibers. </p>
<p><br />For more conservation information, please see <a href="/exhibits/show/conservation/project">The Threads of Time Conservation Project</a>.</p>
Photo Credit
Photo by Michael McKelvey
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
<em>Tumi</em> (Ceremonial Knife) in the Form of the Sicán Lord
Description
An account of the resource
It may seem odd that a textile exhibition should include several metal objects. However, this ceremonial knife with a crescent-shaped blade (known as a <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><i>tumi</i></span>) shows clear evidence of having been wrapped in textiles in antiquity. A later <a href="/items/show/14">Inka tumi</a><i> </i>shows similar signs of textile wrapping; the distinctive pattern of a plain-weave cloth—each set of threads going over and under the other—is now preserved in metal. These “pseudomorphs”—meaning elements that have become part of a piece after manufacture—form during burial, when organic materials are either encased or replaced by corrosion products, retaining the form and appearance of the original materials within the mineralized layers. Pseudomorphs preserve the original weave structures, show the diameter and spin-ply of threads, and even suggest whether cotton or camelid fiber was utilized. This large knife in anthropomorphic form is almost completely covered with pseudomorphs, showing how completely it was wrapped. Sometimes fragments of the actual ancient cloth survive within the corrosion, as seen on <a href="/items/show/16">earspools</a> with spider motifs. This wrapping of other precious objects expresses the concept of <span><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><i>ukhu</i></span>,</span> the dialectic of hiding and revealing so important in the Andean tradition.
-
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/46b02396a53c0b42e3104862f48d59ef.jpg
d8bf918bf245d714dc4e0adf1976a82e
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/22077a91042bc84aea22c03e0321d7ba.jpg
9d4c83ec0fa063fcf0b376eff4f52244
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/0a91a0af010fa83a14519bc3da69a6fd.jpg
8738969d0a704b9cc487386c90e6c3a0
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Description
An account of the resource
Cotton fibers are trapped in the corrosion products on an earspool.
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Photo courtesy of Renée Stein
Subject
The topic of the resource
Earspool Metal Corrosion and Fibers
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/e0486902c1f5a6ef66d0a5bb66c90dbe.wav
37a837ed58b5b210582da7773966810b
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
tumi
http://threads-of-time.carlos.emory.edu/files/original/e93eca193c4fa8558b746d780f718e0b.wav
5d59c565ad10bdbacfef550e22c55bb4
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
ukhu
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Ancient Peru
Threads of Time Item
This item type contains fields for the works in the Threads of Time exhibition.
Geographic Area
South America, Central Andes, North Coast
Culture
Moche
Date
Early Intermediate Period, ca. 1-650 AD
Materials
Gilded copper alloy
Credit Line
Gift of Cora W. and Laurence C. Witten II
Accession Number
1992.15.274 A/B
Exhibition Checklist Number
This number will sort the collections.
312-13
Technical Notes
Related notes on the object's conservation and treatment by Michael C. Carlos Museum objects conservator Renée Stein.
<p>Metal objects, (see also <a href="/items/show/14">Llama </a><em><a href="http://34.193.12.70/items/show/14">Tumi</a> </em>and<a href="/items/show/15"><em> S</em>icán <em>Tumi</em></a>), corrode in burial environments due to exposure to moisture and salts in the ground. Some corrosion can be very destructive, causing loss of surface detail or extensive damage. Stable corrosion that forms on the surface can, however, be protective and may preserve evidence, including the weave pattern of textiles that were wrapped around the metal objects for burial. The textile is replaced by corrosion pseudo morphs that reproduce the weave. Close examination of the corrosion products on the large tumi revealed a weft-faced plainweave. The organic fibers of the textile do not typically survive, but some fibers remain trapped within the corrosion products on the earspools and llama tumi. Under magnification, using a stereobinocular microscope and transmitted light microscope, it is possible to see characteristic twist of cotton fibers. <br /><br /></p>
<p>For more conservation information, please see <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><a href="/exhibits/show/conservation/project">The Threads of Time Conservation Project</a></span>.</p>
Photo Credit
Photo by Michael McKelvey
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Earspools with Spider Motif
Description
An account of the resource
<p>It may seem odd that a textile exhibition should include several metal objects. However, these earspools with wide posts show clear evidence of having been wrapped in textiles in antiquity. An <a href="/items/show/14">Inka <i>tumi</i></a> and <a href="/items/show/15">Sicán <i>tumi</i></a><i> </i>(ceremonial knives with crescent-shaped blades) show similar signs of textile wrapping. The distinctive pattern of a plain-weave cloth—each set of threads going over and under the other—is now preserved in metal. These “pseudomorphs”—meaning elements that have become part of a piece after manufacture—form during burial, when organic materials are either encased or replaced by corrosion products, retaining the form and appearance of the original materials within the mineralized layers. Pseudomorphs preserve the original weave structures, show the diameter and spin-ply of threads, and even suggest whether cotton or camelid fiber was utilized. Sometimes fragments of the actual ancient cloth survive within the corrosion, as seen on the posts of these earspools. This wrapping of other precious objects expresses the concept of <i><span style="text-decoration:underline;">ukhu</span></i><span style="text-decoration:underline;">,</span> the dialectic of hiding and revealing so important in the Andean tradition.</p>