The Paracas culture is known for the intricacy and diversity of its decorated textiles, which many experts regard ass the finest made by any pre-Columbian Andean culture. Although more than 2,000 years old, this cross-knit-looped seventeen-foot band, which was worn like a turban, is a striking example. Despite its age, it is in surprisingly good condition, primarily because it was buried on the arid southern coast of Peru. one of the world's driest coastal deserts. In this area prestigious and powerful individuals were wrapped and buried in mummy bundles containing numbers of elaborately patterned, intricately made garments that were meant to accompany the wearer into the next world. The headband’s bold, naturalistic imagery includes twenty-five double-headed serpents alternating with fifty small spotted cats.