Belt

Item number 3486/135 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Large woven belt (chumpi) finished in a twisted fringe on one end. The main design features diamonds in varied sizes and styles including a prominent serrated diamond motif worked in off-white yarn against a red and orangish-red background with a thin green band across the horizontal centre. The top and bottom edges have a solid emerald green border.

History Of Use

Belts of different types are used by men, women, and children, and some have special names. Most belts are called chumpi (Quechua) or cinterone (Spanish). Some belts are associated with pregnant women and their babies, where they are used to fasten the swaddling cloths around the infant. Belts for children are usually smaller in size. In some areas, very wide belts are worn with a stiff underbelt, which acts as a back support. Belts in Andean villages are usually made on a continuous warp and the last few inches are finished by braiding. A wide variety of techniques are used to pattern the belts. The imagery woven on belts is usually drawn from a set of geometric and figurative icons that are combined in ways that are distinctive of a particular community.