Explore the Paracas textiles of ancient Peru and discover two distinct styles: the Linear Style and the Block Color Style. Paracas textiles are among the most vibrant ancient textiles ever discovered. Most ancient textiles do not survive the ravages of time, but on the desert coast of Peru, the Paracas people left behind some of the most impressive textile art in the world.

Buried in tombs deep beneath the ground, the textiles have survived remarkably intact, including their vibrant colors. We do not have written records from the Paracas culture, so these textiles are an important part of helping us understand this ancient civilization. In this video, we discuss these two styles and guide you on how to recognize them.

This video is perfect for anyone interested in:

• The Ancient Andes

• Andean Archaeology

• Costume and Textiles

• Ancient Art

• Indigenous Artistic Traditions

• Pre-Columbian Art

Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank

CHAPTERS

0:00 What are the Linear Style and Block Style?

0:30 Ancient Paracas Culture

0:45 Paracas Textiles

1:28 Linear Style

1:49 Block Color Style

2:01 Imagery

Learn more

Check out our entire glossary of art history: https://www.artsq.org/about-key-terms-ideas-art-history