chuspa (Coca Bag)

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.

Purchased by donor in the Pisac market in 1984.

Figures in the central band are woven in complementary warp weave (pebble weave variant) while the figures in the flanking bands are woven in a supplementary warp weave called “ley’.

Small coca leaf bag (chuspa) with three tiny pockets woven into one face, a woven strap, tubular-woven ribetes on seams and edgings, and a long yarn fringe on the bottom. The central pattern band repeats a horse and a rider with a flag; flanking bands repeat hummingbirds.