Coca Bag Item Number: 3486/54 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Small coca leaf bag with a small pocket on one side and short, added fringe at the bottom; edges are embroidered. Decorated with narrow bands with diamond and diagonal motifs.
Different types of Andean bags (bolsas, generic term, Spanish) have different names and characteristics. Square or rectangular bags used by men to carry coca leaves are called “chuspa”. Some of these have small pockets woven into one face for carrying the llipt’a (lime-ash substance that releases the alkaloids when chewed with the leaves). Some have straps and are worn around the waist or shoulder.
Embroidery on edges made in cross-knit loop stitch; decorated bands woven in complementary warp weave.
The donor notes the style and colour indicate it was made in Macha, Bolivia.
Purchased by the donor in Sucre in 1983 in shop of Elizabeth Rojas.