Tunic or Unku

The Inca considered textiles to be more valuable than gold and used them as symbols of power and authority. Rulers wore the finest tapestry-woven tunics, referred to as cumbi in the Quechua language. The geometric designs on this tunic, as well as the fineness of the weave, indicate an elite wearer. The unusual alpaca-hair fringe was likely added later, perhaps during the colonial period (1532–1821).