Coca Bag Item Number: 3486/61 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Coca leaf bag (chuspa) with a woven carrying strap, woven edgings (ribetes) covering seams and edges, and 3 groups of bud-like tassels on the lower edge. The design panels have a name, Francisco Ccamatru, woven into them.
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 Sucre in 1983, at the shop of Elizabeth Rojas.
Name woven in a complementary warp weave.