Fashion in the Archaic period

Published: July 28, 2026 · Updated: July 28, 2026

In the Archaic period cotton was grown early on the Andean coast, and the first textiles — made by twisting yarn — appeared; the great Andean textile tradition begins here.

Overview

In this age of settlement, fishing and farming, textile-making developed early in the Andes.

Key garments and style

Coastal sites such as Huaca Prieta record cotton textiles from around 4000 BC. Twined and looped techniques made loincloths, simple garments and bags, with shell and bone for ornament.

Transition

In the Early Andean civilisations, this craft flowered into the fine embroidered textiles of Paracas.

History of this period

Archaic period c. 8000–1800 BC