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Description

Belt (chumpi) with a wide variety of geometric figures, as well as a few animals (quadruped, fish); finished at one end with loop-manipulated.

Narrative

Purchased by the donor in Cuzco from Paulina Pumayalli, who was from Chinchero, in 1983.

Specific Techniques

The belt is woven in a reversible 2-colour complementary warp weave, except for the central band, which is a 3-colour complementary warp weave that is not reversible.

Iconographic Meaning

The red, green, and yellow figures in the central band are very Incan in character and are similar to the stepped diamonds on a large class of Inca men’s tunics. The distinctive weave and figures indicate that the belt is from Challhuahuacho.

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.