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History Of Use

This chullu, with its long chupan (tail) is typical of the Chinchero community. Knitting was introduced to the Andes after the Spanish Conquest. Knitting is more often done by men, particularly the chullus. Variations in colours, designs, and fineness in chullus, as well as additions, are used to signal differences in affiliation, age, gender, status, rank, etc. Knitting in the round is done on 5 needles that are often fashioned from bicycle spokes.

Narrative

Bought by the donor in 1984 in Chinchero from Benita Gutierrez García, one of only a few people who still knew how to make the chullu at that time.

Specific Techniques

The cap was knitted in the round on five needles, with yarns retwisted on a drop spindle.

Description

Knitted cap (chullu) made of synthetic yarn with ear flaps, a long chin strap attached to the ear flaps, a long tail (chupan) with a tassel, and a scalloped border. The predominantly dark red cap has alternating horizontal bands of dark red and forest green with multicoloured geometric, ‘S’ shapes, and animal motifs including foxes, hummingbirds, and doves. The design features a band of ‘S’ shapes followed by a row of diamonds and ‘X’ shapes. The next two bands have different types of birds followed by a row of foxes. The band at the transition between the cap and the tail have an ‘S’ motif. The tail of the cap features a row of figures holding hands, followed by alternating rows of birds and geometric or ‘S’ shaped motifs. The scalloped border is dark green with red and white edging. The yarn tassel at the end of the long tail on the top of the cap contains the colours featured in the main motif. Each of the red ear flaps have a light grey and a navy-blue bird facing each other, standing above two triangles. The chin strap is made of orange, forest green and pale grey contained in a navy blue and red border.