The classic Chinchero manta shows areas of pattern contrasted with unpatterned areas of plain color--blue on this manta. Village weavers speak of the plain unpatterned areas of a manta as "pampas," which in the Quechua language refers to high unplanted stretches of land. The reference to land supports the latest ideas of textile researchers that many Inca weavings represent land patterns.
Note the variety of patterns in this manta, both abstract and figurative. In some weavings the patterns change as the weaver works along each line and weavers often use many different techniques in one piece. The unique talent for designing, counting and making layout calculations for a difficult piece proves the sophistication of Inca weavers.
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