chaleko (Vest)

About this object

History of use

Bayeta is made by males on the treadle loom and is used for garments that are cut to size and sewn, such as trousers, shirts, skirts and vests. The style, the construction and and the loom used are non-indigenous and derive from Spanish peasant tradition. Handspun sheep's wool is the traditional material, but synthetic yarns are now used everyday.

Narrative

Bought from Augustin Quispe Mamani. He said the sheep's wool vest will last about 3 years and it will be warmer than one made of synthetic yarns which will last about 5 years. Augustin did the weaving and sewing, but had help from the rest of the family with the spinning.

Cultural context

special occasion; men

Specific techniques

Z-spun sheep's wool yarn used in natural state for the vest and dyed black for the front panels. Balanced plain weave cloth cut to shape and machine sewn. Collar and pockets machine stitched on.

Physical description

Vest with black front panels and an off-white back panel. There are two black pockets at the front corners by the centre opening, and a stand-up collar, which is partly black and partly off-white. The black panels extend under the arms about 9 cm into the back on each side.