Poncho (ceremonial c. 19th century

This ceremonial poncho was made by Aymara peoples. Look closely at the way that horizontal bands dominate the textile’s form, creating a field of visual rhythms. The broad, dark brown stripes alternate with narrower bands of red, pink, and white. Minute geometric designs, like tiny teeth, animate many of the stripes. This interplay of colors and textures evokes a sense of measured dynamism, as if the poncho were quietly humming with energy. The fringe, a decorative addition, softens the rigid geometry of the design. The poncho's structure is a form of visual language. Each element, from the stripes to the fringe, is a signifier within a semiotic system. When worn, the poncho becomes a mobile text, communicating cultural identity and status. The Aymara’s sophisticated weaving traditions use color, pattern, and structure to create a powerful form of non-verbal communication, rich with layered cultural meanings.