Coca Bag Item Number: 3486/52 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Small coca leaf bag (chuspa) with tubular woven edgings (ribetes) on seams and bag mouth, a woven strap handle and a replied fringe. Geometric patterns cover both faces. The bag strap is coarser than the bag, and may be a replacement for an older strap.
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 1982 from Cuzco artesania market. According to the seller, it was made and used in the Lares, Calca area.
The geometric patterns are woven in a supplementary warp weave called "ley" in the Cuzco area. The bag strap is woven in a complementary warp weave.