A Problematic Example of Peruvian Resist-Dyeing

Abstract

AbstractTwo Peruvian textile specimens from beneath the temple of Pachacamac (Uhle Collection, University Museum, University of Pennsylvania) show the use, in conjunction with plangi-type tie-dye, of patterning which has the general appearance of tie-dye work, except for a reversal of the basic dark-light color relationship. A consideration of the different methods by which such patterning could have been produced indicates that a batik or batiklike technique probably was used. A few other specimens which appear to have been patterned by the same technique have been reported. Although the evidence is insufficient to justify definite conclusions concerning either the presence or absence of batik in pre-Columbian Peru, strong support is provided for the probability of its presence.