Coca Bag Item Number: 3486/57 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Coca leaf bag (chuspa) with a single pocket woven into one face, a tubular woven carrying strap, woven ribetes covering seams and edges, and a sewn-on edging of wrapped threads along the lower edge. Three pairs of pompoms made of wrapped threads also adorn the lower edge. Horses with flags, llamas, and birds repeat on the front face.
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. Bags are made by women and worn by men in Candelaria (Tarabuco region), Bolivia.
Purchased by donor in Candelaria, Bolivia in 1983.
The horses, llamas and birds are woven in a complementary warp weave.