‘Ancient Textiles from the Andes’, at The Whitworth
Historic textile mills and grand buildings are testament to Manchester’s might during the industrial revolution, and one of the most important collections of antique textiles in Britain can be found at The Whitworth Museum. A special exhibition of ancient Andean textiles will be on show at The Whitworth from 29 March-15 September 2019.
Tunic (Cushma) (detail), Wari culture, Southern Andes, alpaca wool, c800 AD, 2.51 x 1.55 m. Paul Hughes Collection
‘Ancient Textiles from the Andes’ presents a rare opportunity to see a large number of outstanding Andean textiles in the UK. Through a major loan from the collector Paul Hughes, alongside pieces from The Whitworth, textiles from circa 300 BC to circa 1400 AD will be on display. As well as celebrating achievements in textile technique and design, this show explores the complexities of their transition from local ritual to a wider international stage. Vitally, acknowledging the human origins of these objects (from tombs and often from bodies themselves) they are part of a programme of debate about ethics, how objects are contextualised and the impact of conservation on how we understand them.
Visit this exhibition as part of the HALI tour, Great British Collections, June-July 2019.
Tie dye childs tunic (detail), Wari culture, Southern Andes, camelid fibres, c800 AD, 1.60 x 1.30 m. Paul Hughes Collection
Ocucaje Shirt with Figure (detail), Paracas culture, Southern Andes, wool loop knit, c300 AD, 0.70 x 0.60 m. Paul Hughes Collection
Fragment (detail), Chimú culture, Andes, double-cloth woven cotton, c1000-1476, 0.15 x 0.20 m. The Whitworth, The University of Manchester
Tunic (Cushma) (detail), Wari culture, Southern Andes, alpaca wool, c800 AD, 2.20 x 1.45 m. Paul Hughes Collection
Panel (detail), Chancay culture, Andes, tapestry-woven wool and cotton, c1300-1535, 0.76 x 0.38 m. The Whitworth, The University of Manchester
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