Data Brief. 2026 May 10;66:112835. doi: 10.1016/j.dib.2026.112835. eCollection 2026 Jun.

ABSTRACT

This dataset was collected during on-site fieldwork conducted in the district of Chinchero, located in the province of Urubamba, Cusco, Peru, a region internationally recognized for its rich Andean textile tradition rooted in Inca Culture heritage. The dataset comprises high-quality Photographic images of traditional handwoven Andean textile iconographies produced by local artisan communities. These images were captured directly at textile centers where the fabrics are woven, dyed and finished using ancestral techniques measuring authentic representation of colors, textures, and symbolic patterns under natural and controlled conditions. The dataset consists of 1358 images organized into 28 distinct classes, each corresponding to a specific textile iconography characteristic of the Chinchero tradition. The images are provided in a processed and curated format, facilitating organization enables systematic analysis of visual motifs that are often challenging to distinguish due to their intricate geometric patterns and cultural symbolism. The primary reuse potential of this dataset lies in its application to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) research focused on image classification, pattern recognition, and cultural heritage preservation. Researchers can leverage the dataset to develop and evaluate models capable of identifying and differentiating traditional Andean textile iconographies, addressing the growing difficulty faced by younger generations, local communities, and visitors in recognizing the cultural expressions. Additionally, the dataset supports interdisciplinary research in digital humanities, ethnography, textile studies, and cultural informatics contributing to the documentation and preservation of intangible cultural heritage. By making this dataset publicly available, this work aims to support the development of AI-driven tools for cultural preservation, educational applications, and heritage awareness, while fostering collaboration between researchers, technologists, and local artisan communities to safeguard ancestral knowledge for future generations.

PMID:42220648 | PMC:PMC13217882 | DOI:10.1016/j.dib.2026.112835