Weaving an Empire: Textiles of the Inka World
Through December 19, 2026
In the 15th century, the Inka built one of the world’s largest empires, rapidly expanding beyond the Cuzco Valley to occupy much of South America’s western region. Weaving an Empire displays rarely exhibited garments from the diverse communities under Inka rule who dressed to reflect allegiance to the empire and their own local styles and traditions.
Weaving an Empire is accompanied by a gallery guide (PDF).
Lead support for this exhibition is provided by The Coby Foundation, Ltd., the Historic Textile Research Foundation, Peruvian Connection, and the Western Hemisphere Curatorial Scholarship Fund. Additional support is provided by Corinne M. Berezuk, Tina M. deVries, and Roger and Claire Pratt.
Exhibition Programs
Saturday, August 15,
11 a.m.
Saturday, September 12,
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Rug and Textile Appreciation Morning: Preserving Textile Traditions of the Andes
Saturday, September 19,
11 a.m.
Woman’s mantle, Peru, Late Horizon (1470-1532 CE), 91.366.
Man’s tunic, Peru, Late Horizon (1470-1532 CE), 91.147.
Sling/headband, probably south coast of Peru, Late Horizon (1470-1532 CE), 91.847.
Man’s tunic, Peru, Late Horizon (1470-1532 CE), 91.298.
Man’s tunic, south coast of Peru (found), Late Horizon (1470-1532 CE), 91.843.