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Radiance from the Rain Forest: Featherwork in Ancient Peru
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Tabard
Wari or Chimú 7th–15th century
Cotton, feathers; 40 x 40 in. (101.6 x 101.6 cm)
Private collection
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The traditional men’s garment in ancient Peru was an untailored sleeveless shirt or tunic with vertical armholes at the shoulders and a neck opening in the center at the top. Ceremonial tunics densely covered with feathers on front and back are open along the sides—probably to protect the delicate feathers from breaking off—and were held in place with ties, many of which are now missing. Open-sided tunics are called tabards. Featuring five colors and a geometric pattern, this tabard is particularly colorful. The small red, yellow, blue, and green feathers probably come from macaws; the brown ones could be curassow or Muscovy Duck.
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