chuspa (Coca Bag)
About this object
History of use
Different types of Andean bags (bolsas, generic term, Spanish) have different names and characteristics. Square or rectangular bags used by men to carry coca leaves are called “chuspa”. Some of these have small pockets woven into one face for carrying the llipt’a (lime-ash substance that releases the alkaloids when chewed with the leaves). Some have straps and are worn around the waist or shoulder.
Narrative
Purchased by donor in Sucre in 1983 in shop of Elizabeth Rojas.
Specific techniques
The side with the rodents is woven in complementary warp weave based on a twill sequence, while the side with the lion is woven in a different variant of a complementary warp weave.
Physical description
Small coca leaf bag (chuspa) with tubular-woven ribetes on seams and edges, and a short yarn fringe on the bottom, plus three long fringes that are thread-wrapped. Strap is made of two different braids. Lion-like quadruped is on one side and a pair of rodents(?) and a bird is on the other.
Categories
Materials
Date Acquired
23 Mar 2021
How Acquired
Donated
Measurements
Overall: 36 cm x 10.5 cm
Object Number
3486/55