Provenance Information

Inherited by donor from Richard Levine in 2007; acquired by Levine from Steve Berger of San Francisco in 1992 or 1993.

Exhibition Information

The Andean Tunic, 400 BCE-1800CE. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, March 8-Sept. 18, 2011.

Publication Information

None known prior to DAM acquisition.

Section of the AAMD Guidelines relied upon for the exception to 1970

Cumulative facts and circumstances

Explain why the object fits the exception set forth above

The kings of Chimor ruled much of Peru's ancient north coast desert region. Nobles were entombed with precious metalwork, blackware ceramics, and lavishly decorated garments. This exceptionally well preserved garment has an openwork tapestry structure, decorated with numerous tassels. Constructed in a workshop setting by a team of skilled artisans, it reveals important information on Chimu weaving techniques and production methods. Its acquisition by the Denver Art Museum allows the public to understand the great value attached to textiles by ancient Andean peoples, and the technical and artistic mastery they achieved. It also makes this work available to scholars for research.