Bag Item Number: Sf1170 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Square, brown and black striped bag constructed from one piece of warp-faced plain weave. Constructed by folding in half lengthwise and sewing side edges together. Hole in the middle of one face now stitched with grey yarn; hole on the other side stitched with white thread. Several tufts of yarn stick out of area near the bag mouth. Strap is missing.

History Of Use

Warp-faced fabrics with three or four selvedges are woven by women on the indigenous style loom, a staked-out horizontal ground loom, or an adjustable tension (body) loom. The technique and structure have pre-Conquest antecedents, and as in ancient times, the fabrics are used in their rectangular form without cutting or shaping. Used for carrying food, like toasted wheat and corn, by young boys who herd sheep. This is a very traditional bag form throughout the Andes and extending back to ancient times.

Specific Techniques

Plain colour areas or stripes are warp-faced plain weave.

Cultural Context

Children; everyday.

Narrative

Made by Lucilia Huatta Cruz for her brother Esteban Huatta Cruz when they were both single. Used by him to carrying food when he herded sheep as a boy of 9 or 10.

Item History

What

Name
Bag
Identification Number
Sf1170
Type of Item
bag
Material
wool fibre and dye
Manufacturing Technique
woven, plied, stitched and spun
Overall
height 13.1 cm, width 15.2 cm

Who

Culture
Quechua
Creator
Lucilia Huatta Cruz (Maker)
Field Collector
Elizabeth L. Johnson
Previous Owner
Esteban Huatta Cruz and Elizabeth L. Johnson
Received from
Elizabeth L. Johnson (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
Taquile, Puno, Peru

When

Creation Date
during 1977
Collection Date
during 1984
Ownership Date
before June 13, 1984
Acquisition Date
on June 13, 1984

Other

Item Classes
textiles
Condition
fair
Accession Number
0992/0030