Inca Woven Textile Chuspa Coca Bag with Tassels

North Coastal Peru, Late Intermediate Period, Ca. 1000 to 1476 AD

Expertly handwoven on a backstrap loom utilizing finely spun camelid wool (alpaca/llama) and indigenous cotton, this square-form ceremonial coca bag (chuspa) features vertical band registers executed in deep madder red and natural earthy brown tones. The composition is defined by four prominent patterned columns composed of finely woven geometric designs, highlighting repeating stepped-diamond (chakana) lattices and nested lozenge motifs framed by horizontal striped bands. Suspended from the bottom edge are four long, dense camelid wool corner tassels bound with wrapped cord caps in contrasting rust and umber yarns. Size 13 inches W x 16-1/4 in H. including the fringes. Displaying an intact braided suspension strap remnant at the top corner, the bag remains in stable ancient condition, exhibiting authentic ritual wear, localized thread loss and fraying along the bottom join, and an attractive aged patina characteristic of Late Horizon Andean burials.
Provenance: Charles L, a US collector,  acq 1990s