Coca Bag Item Number: 3486/51 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Small coca leaf bag (chuspa) with tubular woven edgings (ribetes) on seams and bag mouth, a woven strap handle and a replied fringe. Geometric patterns cover both faces of the 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 the donor in 1982 in the Pisac market. The donor believes it was likely made and used in the highlands, above the Urubamba or Patacancha Valley.
The geometric patterns are woven in a supplementary warp weave called “ley” in the Cuzco area. The carrying strap is made in a complementary warp weave.