Coca Bag Item Number: 3486/62 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Coca leaf bag (chuspa) with woven strap, tubular edgings (ribetes) on seams and edges, and small tassels on the lower corners of the bag. Central design panel repeats pairs of birds with a small bird between then; panels at the side repeat birds on one face and butterflies(?) on the other face.
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.
Designs are woven in 3-colour supplementary warp weave, a technique that is called “ley” in the Cuzco area.
Purchased by donor in 1978, in a Cuzco artesania shop.