Some of the most interesting objects in Wari: Lords of the
Ancient Andes are textiles, especially men’s tunics. This week
the Cleveland Museum of Art will welcome two textile artists
from Ayacucho, Peru, the region once governed by the Wari
civilization. Saturnino and Vilma Oncebay—who speak both Spanish
and Quechua, one of the major indigenous languages of Peru—have
been investigating the weaving techniques and designs of their
Wari ancestors for many years and will perform weaving
demonstrations for visitors to the exhibition. Brother and
sister, they are members of a family of noted textile
specialists who include foot loom and back-strap loom weavers,
as well as spinners, designers, embroiderers, and dyers. While
here, they will have the opportunity to stu! dy the Wari-style
textiles in the exhibition and also to examine textiles in the
museum’s permanent collection. Saturnino and Vilma are looking
forward to their first visit to the United States and to what
they can learn here. The chance to watch and i