Woman's mantle (Awayo) c. 19th century

"Woman's mantle (Awayo)" is a 19th century Aymara textile from the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The brown, woolen textile features a geometric design with a narrow, central band of braided strips. The Aymara people, native to the Andes mountains of South America, are known for their intricate textile weaving techniques. This mantle would have been a cherished possession, used for warmth and worn as a symbol of status and cultural identity.