Textiles from the Andes
The impeccable credentials of two British experts—University of Wales professor Dransart, author of Earth, Water, Fleece and Fabric (2002), and the British Museum’s Wolfe—define the subject of, and explain the illustrations used in, this informative guide. Using the collection of the British Museum as their main inspiration, the authors set the stage by identifying the geography and time line on which they focus their survey of Andean textiles (Colombia to Chile, 200 BC to the late eighteenth century). Those unfamiliar with loom and off-loom weaving are treated to brief descriptions of color, techniques, and structure, along with a narrative about the division of labor and rites of passage for weavers. This overview leads to examples and item-by-item descriptions (date, “title,” size, geography, description, and short commentary). Textile freaks and artists, enjoy! --Barbara Jacobs