chumpi (Belt)
About this object
History of use
Belts of different types are used by men, women, and children, and some have special names. Most belts are called chumpi (Quechua) or cinterone (Spanish). Some belts are associated with pregnant women and their babies, where they are used to fasten the swaddling cloths around the infant. Belts for children are usually smaller in size. In some areas, very wide belts are worn with a stiff underbelt, which acts as a back support. Belts in Andean villages are usually made on a continuous warp and the last few inches are finished by braiding. A wide variety of techniques are used to pattern the belts. The imagery woven on belts is usually drawn from a set of geometric and figurative icons that are combined in ways that are distinctive of a particular community.
Narrative
Purchased by the donor in Puno in 1984 at La Sirena, a textile shop owned by Christiane LeFebvre.
Specific techniques
Woven in a complementary warp weave with 3-span floats in alternate alignment, “pebble” weave variant.
Physical description
Finely woven belt (chumpi) finished with fancy braids and round pompons. Centre panel repeats figures of birds and animals; chevron bands near the side selvedges.
Categories
Materials
Date Made
C. 1900-1925 ?
Date Acquired
23 Mar 2021
How Acquired
Donated
Measurements
Overall: 5 cm x 290 cm
Object Number
3486/122