Shawl Item Number: 3486/142 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
A shoulder shawl (lliklla) for a woman that is composed of two 4-selvedge cloths that are sewn together on a long edge. Each panel has two broad pattern bands with a plain black band separating them. The image shows opposing heads and headdresses of a ch’uncho, which is a person from the jungle. The outer edges have red borders with a subtle chevron pattern.
A lliklla (Quechua) or manta (Spanish) is worn as a shawl that is fastened around the shoulders with a pin, but it can also be worn as a cloth for carrying things on the back.
The patterns of diagonals and diamonds are woven in a 3-colour complementary warp weave with 3-span floats. The chevron pattern on the red borders is produced by alternating the twist of groups of warps. The less usual twist (Z-plied) is called loq’e, which means "something different"; such yarns are through to have magical or curative properties.
Purchased by the donor in Cuzco in 1978.