Poncho

About this object

History of use

The tradition of regionally distinctive dress is still a feature of some of the remote villages of highland Peru. The costumes are a mixture of Spanish influence with surviving indigenous aspects and materials. The colour and patterns of this poncho are typical of those worn by men and women at fiestas in Tinta.

Narrative

Similar poncho was being woven for the Cuzco Festival. Purchased from a vendor (Lucia) at Bazaar Chaska, Plaza de Armas, Cuzco.

Cultural context

worn during ceremonies

Physical description

Poncho, warp patterned with a design of multi-coloured potato flowers and roses arranged in band on a red background with pairs of thin white stripes in between each band. A single pattern break and one edge bound suggests that the cloth was woven in one strip, cut in half and sewn together on the long axis.