1920 Antique Print of Ancient Peruvian Textiles: Borders & Sleeve Trim from Ancon Peru. Original South American Hand Colored Perleberg Plate

Offered is a striking, original 1920 hand-colored print showcasing the intricate geometric patterns and vibrant dyes of ancient Peruvian wool dress borders excavated from Ancon. This striking, large-scale fragment illustrates the heavy bottom border and corner of a long, ankle-length robe (often referred to in early literature as a talaris or Talaria-type garment). The weavers of ancient Ancon designed this piece for dramatic visual impact and movement, evidenced by the thick, heavy fringe intended to sway at the wearer's ankles. When oriented correctly with the fringe hanging downward, the dominant design forms a monumental upward-pointing chevron or stepped pyramid. This shape is deeply tied to Andean cosmology, representing the sacred mountains (Apus) or earth shrines (huacas). It is filled with interlocking "stepped fret" or meander motifs that symbolize the continuous, cyclical flow of water down to the coast. Along the outer border, geometric cross motifs represent stars or the four cardinal directions. This plate originates from the exceedingly rare portfolio, Peruvian Textiles: A Contribution to our Knowledge of the Textile Industries of the Ancient Peruvian People, published by H.C. Perleberg in Philadelphia in 1920. Perleberg was renowned for his specialized, high-quality portfolios aimed at textile designers and historians. Complete copies of this publication have practically vanished from the open market, making these surviving plates a scarce resource for collectors of textile history, pre-Columbian art, and early 20th-century reference prints. The plate features an incredibly detailed reproduction process designed to capture the exact weave and texture of the surviving artifacts, finished with meticulous hand-coloring to highlight the original dyes. Size: Approx 10.5 inches x 13.5 inches. Condition: Near Fine. Light ink Stamp of ex-library on reverse. Returns: Any item may be returned for a refund. Please contact us within 14 days of receipt of your item if you feel an error has been made. Iconography Breakdown: The "Tawantinsuyu" Cross Motifs: Running along the outer, fringed borders, you can see repeating geometric cross or 'X' motifs with central dots, framed by brackets. These cross shapes frequently represent stars (Chaska) or the four cardinal directions/quarters of the world—a cosmological concept central to Andean cultures long before the Inca formalized it. Monumental Scale and Fringe: Unlike the narrow dress borders on the previous plates, the sheer scale of this border—and the thickness of the heavy, gravity-hanging fringe—points to a garment designed for dramatic visual impact and movement. The fringe would swing heavily at the wearer's ankles, drawing attention to the intricate, nested colors. We do not deal in modern reproductions. All of our prints are original and authentic.