Médaillon anthropomorphe
which was originally intended to adorn the mantle of a high dignitary. Commonly called the Flying God, it presents a figure in a flying position; from his mouth emerges a powerful snake with an undulating body, he holds a scepter in one of his hands and carries a bag on his shoulder. This figure may be associated with a warrior shaman.
Multicolored fabric worked with regularity and finesse.
Paracas necropolis, Peru, 500-200 BC.
10 x 6 cm.
Publication: "Frauen des alten amerika in Kult und Alltag", ed. Arte America, Gerda Seifert, Stuttgart, 2001, p. 142.
Bibliography: Textile Art of Peru, Pimax editions, Lima Peru 1989; page 62 A93 for figures of this type.
