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Description

A pair of protective sleeves (mangas, maquitas) knitted mostly in hand-spun sheep’s wool and dyed with aniline dyes. Geometric patterns and one that may be leaves or petals. The finer white yarn may be camelid.

History Of Use

Knitting and crochet were introduced to the Andes after the Spanish Conquest. These techniques are used for some items of dress and accessories. Knitting is more often done by men, particularly for their caps (chullu, in Quechua). Protective sleeves (mangas, maquitos, in Spanish) and socks (medias, in Spanish) are worn by men in communities around Huancayo and Huancavelica to protect their forearms while doing agricultural work, and are typically made and used in the central Andes closer to the cities of Huancayo and Huancavelica (although some are also made in the Cusco region). Knitting in the round is done on 5 needles that are often fashioned from bicycle spokes.

Narrative

Bought by the donor in 1982 from Maxima Balbin in the Huancayo market. They were made in a community close to Huancayo.

Specific Techniques

Knitted in the round, using five needles.