Coca leaf bag (ch'uspa) 1965 - 1975

This Coca leaf bag, or ch’uspa, was made by an anonymous artist. It's a small textile, probably woven from sheep or alpaca wool. The process of creating a ch’uspa is labor-intensive. From the raising of animals, to the spinning of yarn, to the dyeing of fibers, and finally the weaving itself, each step requires skill and time. This bag features a series of repeating figures; maybe they represent animals, or perhaps even people. The motifs are rendered in bold colors, achieved using natural dyes extracted from plants, minerals, and insects. The weaver would have needed expert knowledge to create these vibrant and lasting hues. Coca leaves have been culturally significant in the Andes for centuries, used in rituals, social gatherings, and as a mild stimulant. The ch’uspa is therefore not just a bag, but a container for something culturally valuable. It’s a testament to the rich material culture of the Andes, where the boundaries between art, craft, and daily life blur.