Vintage Handwoven Coca Bag from Charazani, Bolivia

Description

This coca bag was acquired in the mountainous region of Charizani, Bolivia in 1967. The man in the photo is carrying a bag like this one. This coca bag is a traditional loom woven textile in a rich red color with round "eye" decorative edging on the top and both sides. Three fine stripes in white, blue, red, green, black, with geometric design elements alternate with four red bands that wrap vertically around the bag. The bag is in original condition and has soiled areas on both sides which are often typical signs of use. Tassles are green plastic or glass tubes with woven balls attached, two on one side, both missing in the middle, and one missing on the opposite side. Quechua design patterns and symbols are used here, known as "pallay" in Quechua, that have symbolic meaning to the owner, but are sometimes so abtract it is difficult to identify. The obvious horse icon on the bag is used four times, interspersed between what may be a sun icon. Design icons on the narrow strap contain sun, horse, two kinds of bird, and other more complex zig-zag and wave patterns. Both design and color often relate to a regional community design preference, so that one can identify where a person is from by the clothing worn.
Bag dimension: 14” high x 15.5” wide, strap 29” long x 1 1/8" wide