Coca Bag

Item number 3486/59 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Coca leaf bag (chuspa) that has a single pocket woven into one face, a carrying strap made of two braids, woven tubular edgings (ribetes) covering seams and edges, short tassels along the lower edges, and bud-like tassels on braids along the lower edges. Main design panel has a condor, human, and quadruped, while flanking panels have X-shaped motifs.

History Of Use

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.