Ahuayu Ceremonial Women’s Mantle, 19th C. Achiri. Pacasa Aymara. Department of La Paz. Alpaca warp and weft. Natural dyes. The Pacajes region is renowned for its exceptional alpaca fleece, fine spinning, dyeing, and weaving. The Inca coveted the alpaca herds of the Pacasa and it is supposed that most of the ceremonial pieces like this one were woven from these select fibers. This exceptional textile features a jet- black ground dyed from the leaves of the pepper tree, Schinus Molle. The weaving displays a finely woven array of traditional design including aquatic birds, snakes, the sun motif inti, the heaven and earth design and female dancers. Narrow and wide indigo stripes complete this striking textile. Size: 3'5' x 2'6'' (104 x 76 cm).

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