Peru receives first batch of Paracas textiles from Sweden

19 Jun '14

2 min read

Peru has received the first batch of ancient Paracas textiles from Sweden that were exhibited in the Municipal Museum of Gothenburg in Sweden.

At the event, Peruvian President Ollanta Humala Tasso thanked the Swedish authorities for the return of what he considered as cultural assets. He added that the step has strengthened friendly relations between Peru and Sweden.

President Humala said the textiles from the Paracas Culture, received from Sweden, will be displayed to the general public after a process of healing, according to website of the Peruvian President.

Saying that the City of Gothenburg and Sweden have set a moral and ethical example, the President urged other Governments that have assets belonging to Peru to enumerate Sweden in conformity with the international law.

The first installment received from Sweden consists of four parts—two sheets, a poncho and a fragmented textile—out of a total of 89 textiles which will be gradually returned. These textiles were smuggled out of Peru in the 1930s.

At the event, an agreement was also signed by the Peruvian Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Culture, and the Municipality of the city of Gothenburg for the restitution of the Paracas collection.

According to the agreement, the delivery of all Paracas textiles in possession of the Gothenburg museum would be gradually handed over to Peru by 2021, coinciding with the bicentennial of Peru’s Independence and the 400th anniversary of the city of Gothenburg.

Paracas textiles have natural colours of pure Alpaca ranging from grey, white and beige to brown and black.

The Paracas culture thrived on the southern coast of Peru during 100 BC to 200 AD, but not much was known about the people and culture of that time until the 1920s when archaeological excavations began.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

More Textiles News - Peru...