Andes, South America
18th century or before
Alpaca, cochineal dyes
Linen mount 13 1/2 x 20 1/2 in (34.3 x 52.1 cm), Bag 11 x 18 in (27.9 x 45.7 cm)
Provenance: Fred Boschan, Philadelphia, PA
Tested by Dr. David Wenger, confirming no synthetic dyes present
Coca bags, known as chuspas in the Andean tradition, were among the most important personal objects in the material culture of the Andes, used to carry coca leaves for ritual and daily consumption across a wide range of social contexts from the Pre-Columbian period through the colonial era and beyond. This example is woven in alpaca with cochineal dyes, the deep red tones and geometric patterning characteristic of Andean highland textile production at its most refined. The absence of synthetic dyes, confirmed by testing by Dr. David Wenger, establishes the pre-industrial date of this piece with scientific certainty.
The quality of the weaving, the integrity of the dyes, and the beautifully mounted presentation on linen make this a museum-quality example of Andean textile art. Coca bags of this age and condition with documented dye testing are uncommon in the private market, and the Philadelphia provenance through Fred Boschan connects this piece to a serious collector of Pre-Columbian and Andean material. The piece is in remarkable condition for its age.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Andes, South America
18th century or before
Alpaca, cochineal dyes
Linen mount 13 1/2 x 20 1/2 in (34.3 x 52.1 cm), Bag 11 x 18 in (27.9 x 45.7 cm)
Provenance: Fred Boschan, Philadelphia, PA
Tested by Dr. David Wenger, confirming no synthetic dyes present
Coca bags, known as chuspas in the Andean tradition, were among the most important personal objects in the material culture of the Andes, used to carry coca leaves for ritual and daily consumption across a wide range of social contexts from the Pre-Columbian period through the colonial era and beyond. This example is woven in alpaca with cochineal dyes, the deep red tones and geometric patterning characteristic of Andean highland textile production at its most refined. The absence of synthetic dyes, confirmed by testing by Dr. David Wenger, establishes the pre-industrial date of this piece with scientific certainty.
The quality of the weaving, the integrity of the dyes, and the beautifully mounted presentation on linen make this a museum-quality example of Andean textile art. Coca bags of this age and condition with documented dye testing are uncommon in the private market, and the Philadelphia provenance through Fred Boschan connects this piece to a serious collector of Pre-Columbian and Andean material. The piece is in remarkable condition for its age.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
