faja (Belt)

This belt is used by men and women in Tinta for everyday and festival dress. It is wrapped several times around the waist to hold a garment in place. The wrapping is often roughly done, making a wide and uneven band. Two thin ties are tied to each other and tucked in.

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.

Woven belt with blue edges. Finished with one braided end with braids sewn together and one loom cord end. Thin woven ties in same colours attached to both ends. The belt is warp faced and warp patterned. The pattern weave is a three span float complementary weave in the pink and maroon area and reverses on the other side. Overall pattern is diamond shaped. Three green and yellow strips in same pattern near edges and in middle. The commercial wool has an extra twist added by hand spindle; white yarn is a two ply handspun yarn.