The early occupants of the Andean region of South America developed rich traditions of textile production. The excellent preservation conditions on the coast allowed many textiles to survive to this day. Some of the best known Andean textile traditions come from Peru: the Paracas on the south coast (ca. 500-200 BC), the Wari in the central highlands (ca. AD 600-800), and the Chimú on the north coast (ca. AD 1000-1470).Some of the earliest examples of fine Andean textiles come from the south coast of Peru, between the valleys of Chincha and Yauya. During the Paracas Phase, finely decorated textiles were buried in mummy bundles. Bodies were wrapped in textiles which served as grave offerings. Paracas textiles were typically made of cotton. Fabrics could be decorated with vivid coloured embroideries made of cotton, camelid fibres, and even human hair. Paracas textile imagery was related to local mythologies and the sacred cosmology of south coastal populations. For example, many textiles depict supernatural figures that include animal features such as felines, birds, fish and snakes, plants, as well as human-like traits.The Wari empire expanded from the central highlands of Peru to other regions of Peru towards the end of the first millennium AD. Along with the state expansion, many elements of the Wari culture traveled, such as patterns of architecture, ceramics and textiles. Wari textiles are colourful and vivid, depicting bold images that parallel the iconography found on ceramic vessels. Wari textile decorations include repeated and alternating geometric designs in association with supernatural human figures, possibly Wari gods. One of the most famous of these figures is known as the staff god.The Chimú produced large amounts of textiles. Chimú fabrics, like many other aspects of material culture, are inspired by Moche technological and stylistic developments. Chimú decorated textiles typically depict repetitive geometric designs such as checkers, steps and zigzags, as well as marine themes including fish and birds.