Weaving an Empire: Textiles of the Inka World
August 15-December 19, 2026
In the 15th century, the Inka built the world’s largest empire, rapidly expanding beyond the Cusco 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.
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
Friday, August 14, 1 p.m.
Saturday, August 15,
11 a.m.
Saturday, September 12,
10 a.m.-4 p.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.