Aymara Bolivian Chuspa

Title:                   Aymara Bolivian Chuspa

Catalog No:   ULV-JAEGR-2014-5751

Type:                  Textile; Purse; Bag; Woven; Fiber Arts.

Material:          Animal hair and wool.

Description:   Dark brown and cream with Blue, pink, red and white short ball-like tassels.
Geometric patterns. A thread is used as a strap. There are three pouch-like flaps woven into the
purse; access from inside. The rim is cream. The purse tapers to a point.

Date:                   pre-1935

Dimensions:    Body of bag: 6″ W x 11″ L  x 6″ circumference.  Pockets 3.25″ W x 3.25″ L; 2.5″ W x 3.25″ L; 2.5″ W x 3.25″.  Attached string is approximately 26.5″ length.

Artist:                 Unknown

Donor:                Esther Funk Ethnographic Collection

Provenance:   Purchased by Esther Funk c. 1933

Note:                   Handwritten note #1: “Bosa [sic] – Purse to carry coins and coca leaves. From Aymara Indians near La Paz, Bolivia. E. Funk” Handwritten note #2: “Bolsa, used a purse by Aymara Indians in Bolivia Andes. Holds coca leaves and coins. The coca leaves mixed with a little lime are chewed. Cocaine is derived from the coca leaves.”

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