‘Weaving an Empire: Textiles of the Inka World’, an upcoming exhibition held at The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum from 15 August–19 December, will present rarely-seen garments from the museum's collection, made by diverse communities under Inka rule.
Man's tunic fragment, Peru, Late Horizon. The Textile Museum Collection, 1963.5. 1A-B
In the 15th century, the Inka built one of the world's largest empires, extending far beyond the Cusco Valley to encompass much of western South America. The display brings together an exceptional range of textiles reflecting both allegiance to the empire and the persistence of local styles and traditions, including a woman's mantle, a khipu, a bag wrapped with a sling and a coca bag (chuspa).
Coca bag (chuspa), Peru, Late Horizon. The Textile Museum Collection, 1996.34.1
A highlight of the exhibition is the museum’s wide selection of bold tunics, which can be seen throughout the display. Among them is an example of the iconic chequerboard tunic, a garment that was used throughout the empire.
