Aymara Mantle (Nañaca). 19th/20th century. This minimalist warp faced weaving is from the far Southern Altiplano of Bolivia. The aesthetic is ancient and only survived in a very remote, high altitude region of Bolivia. The concept is pure pre-Columbian in origin. Nonetheless, these textiles have been compared to works by the well known painter Mark Rothko and associated with the concept of "ancient modernism". Nañaca is an Incan word that refers to a large mantle draped over the shoulders as a wearing blanket during Incan times and before. In recent years, smaller versions of these textiles have been reproduced in more vivid colors strictly for the marketplace. The deep, mysterious palette of this example is how the oldest pieces look. This nañaca has an atypical brown tonality in the bands. In most old pieces of the type these bands would be dark brown to black. This feature and the contrast it provides give this piece a distinctly different look from most others. 41 x 64 inches.