For centuries, ancient Andean artists painted animals, humans, abstract motifs, and mythical beings on undyed cotton cloth. Showcasing a subtle color palette, these painted textiles have long been overshadowed by textiles woven from brightly dyed cotton and woolen yarns.

"Creatures and Captives: Painted Textiles of the Ancient Andes" presents examples from the DMA’s collection highlighting this lesser-known Andean textile tradition, and features exciting new research carried out through institutional collaborations.