https://collections.carlos.emory.edu/internal/media/dispatcher/62719/fullFan1282-1384 CE13 3/8 x 14 7/8 in. (34 x 37.8 cm)Cotton, feathers, plant fiber (furcrea andina)Gift of Katherine Kelly1992.021.0010The feathers in the fan are tied with braided and twisted cord made of plant fiber. Small transverse and cross-section samples of the plant fibers were examined with transmitted light using a polarizing light microscope. Compared with known reference samples, the overall kidney-bean shape of the cross-section as well as the structure and arrangement of the vascular bundles suggests identification as <I>Furcraea andina</i> or a similar species. A small sample of this plant fiber was analyzed by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) and stable isotope ratio analysis at the University of Georgia Center for Applied Isotope Studies. The resulting radiocarbon (C-14) calibrated date is between 1282-1384 CE.Art of the Americas5269882993