Coca Bag Item Number: 3486/60 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Coca leaf bag (chuspa) with two pockets woven into one face, a woven carrying strap, woven tubular edgings (ribetes) covering seams and edges, and a sewn-on edging of wrapped threads along the lower edge. Three groups of pompoms made of wrapped threads also adorn the lower edge of the bag, while pairs of the bud-like pompoms are suspended from the corners of the pockets. Diamond-shaped motifs cover the front of the bag; the back of the bag is covered in horizontal and vertical stripes.
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.
Purchased by donor in Sucre in 1983, at the shop of Elizabeth Rojas.
Diamond-shaped motifs are woven in complementary warp weave. Stripes on back are done in plain weave; horizontal and vertical stripes woven depending on the colour order of the warps.