"This catalogue is published in conjunction with the exhibition 'Carrying coca: 1,500 years of Andean chuspas' held at the Bard Graduate Center: Decorative Arts, Design History, Material Culture from April 11 through August 3, 2014."--Colophon. Includes bibliographical references and index.
Summary:
"Textile production and consumption has played a central role in the economy of the Andes region of South America since the Inca Empire (AD 1400-1532). This book traces 1500 years of textile arts in the Andes, with a focus on chuspas, small bags originally designed to hold coca leaves; colorful and functional, chuspas are both aesthetically pleasing and technically sophisticated pieces of art. In an area noted for extreme weather, textiles produced from the wool of llamas, vicunĖas, alpacas, and other indigenous animals were essential in protecting people from the cold and wind at high altitudes in the Andes. Often stunningly beautiful, these textiles were also demanded as tribute by the state, and offered as valuable gifts. Beyond their functional and aesthetic value, textiles have long played important ritual and social roles in Andean communities. Fully illustrated, this book offers an important introduction to the rich history and key roles of these textiles. "-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.