Central Coast

Central Coast refers to the cultural designation associated with a documented collection of textile works produced during the period spanning approximately 500 to 1000 CE. These fifteen known pieces, exclusively textiles, are significant historical artifacts representing the artistry and material culture of the era.

Lacking formal artistic movement classification, the importance of the Central Coast textiles rests on their artifactual value and craftsmanship. The surviving pieces held in institutions reflect both intricate construction and the inevitable degradation of organic materials over time. Works represented in museum collections include multiple instances designated simply as Fragment, alongside recognizable utilitarian and ceremonial forms, such as a Band and a Carrying Cloth. The preservation efforts for these objects ensure that surviving examples, particularly those considered museum-quality, remain available for research.

The institutional presence of Central Coast works establishes their cultural significance, with pieces held in major institutions including the Art Institute of Chicago. Due to their age, many of these artifacts are entering the public domain, providing researchers and enthusiasts access to high-quality prints and downloadable artwork for educational purposes.