Coca Bag Item Number: 3486/63 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Coca leaf bag (chuspa) with woven strap, tubular woven edgings (ribetes) on seams and edges, a fringe on the bottom and tassels on the corners of the bag. Both faces have diamond designs with spiked outlines.
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.
Diamond designs are woven in a 3-colour supplementary warp weave.
Purchased by the donor in 1983 in Cuzco.