Belt Item Number: 3486/130 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Wide woven belt (chumpi) finished in braids sewn together on one end. Diamonds in vibrant pink and shades of red form the main design, accented with a contrasting green, orange, yellow, and dark blue ‘x’ and ‘o’ pattern repeating across the horizontal centre. The ‘x’ and ‘o’ motif also appears along the top and bottom borders in white, pink, green, and yellow, with solid dark blue edging. A strand of pink yarn is attached to both ends as ties.
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. This type of belt is associated with women and their babies in the south highlands of Peru. The women wear the sturdy belt while pregnant, and later use it to hold the baby's swaddling cloths in place.
Woven in a complementary warp weave, based on diamond twill.
Purchased by the donor in Tinta in 1978.