Turban

1485–1640 (radiocarbon date, 95.4% probability)

Turban, 1485–1640 (radiocarbon date, 95.4% probability). Peru, North Coast, Chimú style. Cotton; plain weave, brocaded and complex alternating gauze with 5 shots of plain weave between gauze shots; overall: 139.7 x 139.7 cm (55 x 55 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Norman O. Stone and Ella A. Stone Memorial Fund 2005.5.3 Chimú garments like this one consist of a large, rectangular central section—here measuring some 65 inches by 50 inches—with decorated tabs stitched to two opposite corners. Such garments probably were worn as turbans but we do not understand exactly how. For the purpose of display, the plain central section of this example has been folded to form a wide band, with the tabs arranged on either side. The white cotton yarns used to make this textile are only 0.1 to 0.2 millimeters in diameter.