Coca Bag Item Number: 3486/50 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Small coca leaf bag (chuspa) with braided commercial tape sewn to seams and edges. Three panels of diamond designs are on each face. Some decorative stitching is added near each corner.
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 the donor in 1983 in the Chinchero market.
Woven in 3-colour supplementary-warp weave, a technique called "ley" in the Cuzco area.