Band Item Number: 3486/103 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Synthetic woven band (watana) with beads along the sides and fringe ends. Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, pink, purple, and beige strands are woven together into the triangular and diamond geometric motif of the band. The beaded border is predominantly opaque white seed beads, with paired red beads appearing near one end of the band and near the centre, and two sections of multicoloured beads. The smaller segment of multicoloured beads is near the centre of the band on the top edge in blue, green, transparent yellow, and transparent blue. The larger segment of multicoloured beads at the end of the band with dark blue, yellow, green, orange, and red beads on both edges.
Bands are used in various ways as fasteners or adornments in the highlands of Peru and Bolivia. Watana is the name for narrow patterned bands that are used to adorn monteras (money bags), sombreros (hats), or chullu (caps), and to provide ties for closures on garments or straps on bags. Watana are also made for sale to tourists, as they are small items that can be quickly made with the left-over yarns from larger projects. This band was likely made for use on a hat.
Purchased by the donor in May 1983 at the Cuzco artesania market.
Woven in complementary warp weave.