Textiles are an elementary factor in the transfer of ethical and aesthetic concepts in the Andean cultures. The cloths represent the perfect transformation from natural energy into social strength; thus explaining the richness of the embroidery with iconoclastic motifs.

The colors, so varied and brilliant in Paracas textiles , are used as categories in qualitative classification systems. Domestic animals such as the llama, alpaca or vicuņa are likewise classified by color, as for example the black, white or colored alpaca. Potatoes, corn and the earth itself also are classified by colors: white, yellow potato; white, purple corn; black, or red and white earth.

The man of Paracas is estimated to date as far back as the year 8,000 BC due to the discovery of remains of circular dwellings, foodstuffs and certain farming products such as 'mate', gourds and yucca (cassava) of the same period.

Towards the year 6,000 BC, apart from hunting and collecting, the man of Paracas also developed horticulture.

	Funeral Shrouds The Power of the Earth