Ancient Indian Costumes History

In this beautifully illustrated book, textile expert Elena Phipps examines the ancient Peruvian process of weaving textiles with four finished selvages, or edges. Without cutting a thread, master Peruvian weavers wove each textile to the specifications of its intended use, whether a child’s garment, royal mantle, or ritual cloth. This weaving technique required the highest level of skill and forethought and reflects a high cultural value placed on maintaining the integrity of cloth―not only ... [Read More]

Located within the deep tropical rainforest of Chiapas, Mexico, the Maya site of Bonampak is home to the most complete and magnificent mural program of the ancient Americas. In three rooms, a pageant of rulership opens up, scene by scene, like pages of an ancient Maya book. Painted c. AD 800, the murals of Bonampak reveal a complex and multifaceted view of the ancient Maya at the end of their splendor during the last days of the Classic era. Members of the royal court engage in rituals and perfo... [Read More]

A beautifully illustrated book that explores the intricate patterns and vibrant colors in textiles of the Andes from Colombia to northern Chile In the world of the ancient Andes, textiles were often the most valuable commodity people possessed far beyond gold and silver and they were a major medium for conveying critical cultural meaning. For us, they are works of unsurpassed art and craftsmanship, and one of the greatest resources for studying these great civilizations.Textiles from the Andes f... [Read More]

An old enemy has returned to Cahokia with vengeance in his heart. Will the empire’s living god choose to save his city?A thousand years ago, the mighty Cahokian civilization dominated the North American continent. At the heart of the empire stood a vast city, teeming with tens of thousands of residents, traders, and travelers. The city of Cahokia sent settlers and priests throughout the continent, from Wisconsin to the Gulf of Mexico, carrying word of the power of their gods. People who wouldn... [Read More]

Great book featuring textiles and weaving from Pre-Columbian Peru. 117 black and white illustrations / photographs of weavings, textiles, woven textiles - patterns, designs, abstract patterns. Also black and white drawings of pattern and weaving techniques. Includes bibliography. Softcover. 220 pages. Measures 8 1/2 by 11 inches. Interesting book, nicely illustrated.

Depicts in words and watercolors the contemporary Maya Quiche Indian against the background of his long history and continuing struggle to retain traditions and integrity despite centuries of foreign domination

Q'ero is an isolated indigenous community in southern Peru, on the eastern slope of the Andes. In this harsh environment, a rich and complex textile tradition, the chief artistic expression of the Q'ero people, has endured from pre-Hispanic times. Woven from the hair of local alpacas, the colorful shawls, ponchos, bags, and other textiles produced are worn daily and form part of the rituals and ceremonies of Q'ero. Examining the textile traditions that are distinctive to Q'ero within those of th... [Read More]

The richly embroidered Paracas fabrics were discovered early in the 20th century by grave robbers who introduced the ritual garments to collectors around the world. Hundreds of these fabrics survive as artistic documents of a society in which cloth and costume were essential forms of visual communication. Paul discusses how the weaving functioned symbolically, conveying information about the world view of ancient Paracas society and the social role of its leaders. Abundantly illustrated with lin... [Read More]

Classic Maya civilization, unrivaled in the New World for its architectural and astronomical mastery, intricate writing systems, and brilliant art forms, disintegrated some 2,000 years ago. This book examines the history of the one art form which persisted virtually intact--textiles--and provides an in-depth look at the Maya as they exist today. 175 illustrations, 145 in color.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute

A fascinating reference to the mythology of the ancient Americas, with 500 evocative fine-art

The book is a comprehensive and authentic living record of the whole gamut of ancient Indian history. It deals with the cultural, political, geographical and socioeconomic conditions of ancient