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The Wari was a civilization that thrived around 500-900 A.D. in the south-central Andes and coastal area of modern day Peru. Works of art were an important way the Wari communicated. The textiles of the Wari were intricately woven, utilized complex designs, and were among the finest made in the region. The items made included headbands called Diadem (Diadem also referring to jeweled, metal crowns), hats, beautiful woven tunics that signified wealth and importance, and everyday items. Everything was made from wools and cotton. All of the fibers had to be spun, dyed and woven by hand. They were able to glean stunning, intense colors from natural dyes, colors that have held up well over time. Animal motifs were often used. In addition, as the Wari had no writing system, these textiles were an important means of communication. They spoke of humans, the natural, and even the supernatural realms through the subject matter used in the textiles. Being informed about, and inspired by, the past is helpful when creating. In this lesson, we’ll use the inspiration of the Wari history: its creations, motifs and techniques, to work on a hat design that can reflect our personal, creative ideas in the contemporary world of today.
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