This is an antique large and finely woven purse from the Aymara or Quechua indians, Bolivia, South America.This Pouch features a wonderful geometric design with zoomorphic images (birds) which is repeated in a similar fashion on both sides. You can feel how old the textile is when you hold it.This bag measures 8 x 8.5 inches ( the strap handle is about 16 inches around, and the tassels hang down 5 more inches.) The handle has an old repair with wire that has become unattached again. Note that the hands and the tassels also have woven designs, this is clearly a remarkable exampleA chuspas (which is Quechua for bag) is a pouch that is used to carry coca and cocoa leaves, used primarily in the Andean region of South America. Both textiles and coca are very important to the people in Andean South America. These chuspas are a vital piece of culture and are especially important to combat the bitter cold in the mountainous zones of the Andes. These bags are also a way to showcase the cloth which in itself is a primary artistic medium. Highland textiles are traditionally woven from the hair of native alpaca or llama. These pouches are important symbols of social identity. As part of this tradition, chuspas show to the rest of their people how skilled they are in weaving. They can express their artistic skills and display their cultural affiliation by creating these chuspas.

Fair, well handled and worn