Wari
Four-Cornered Hat
Wari, 750
Physical Qualities
Camelid fiber, cotton, 3 × 6 1/2 in. (7.6 × 16.5 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Kenneth S. Battye, Baltimore
Object Number
2007.238
Four-cornered caps, or gorros, were the attire of royalty in the Wari empire. The fabric of these caps was constructed using a single-element looping technique, forming lark's head knots made of two symmetrical simple loops.
This example was formed by pieces sewn together: One strip creates the sides of the hat, a separate square defines the crown, and cylindrical tassels are attached to each of the four triangular shaped corners.
The design panels alternate in red and blue. Each panel shows a standing figure whose center is marked by a diamond shape. A brown square outlined in blue forms the hat's crown.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by gift, 2007;
Ex. Kenneth S. Battye, Baltimore, by purchase, before 1974 - 2007;
Ex. Likely J.J. Klejman Gallery, New York
Ex. Kenneth S. Battye, Baltimore, by purchase, before 1974 - 2007;
Ex. Likely J.J. Klejman Gallery, New York