South America, Bolivia, Aymara (Aimara) people, ca. early 20th century CE. A beautiful handwoven blanket made from wool, possibly camelid such as llama or alpaca, or sheep - with decorative borders featuring registers of stylized birds, zoomorphs, flora, and geometric motifs in hues of purple, pink, green, orange, beige, red, and yellow on a walnut brown ground. The textile is made from 2 large woven panels and seamed down the center of the zoomorphic register. Such mantles would have been worn around the shoulders, held in place by a pin. After the arrival of the Spanish, Aymara woven textiles became a way for indigenous people to mark their identity - first, as a symbol of status for Mestizos who could not afford European textiles, and then as a way of showing rebellion to the Spanish after other forms of clothing were outlawed following native uprisings. Today they continue to make these beautiful textiles, which have gained worldwide acclaim. Size: 45" L x 36" W (114.3 cm x 91.4 cm)

Provenance: ex-estate of Dr. W.M. Bogdanowicz, Naples, Florida USA

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#160737

Losses to fibers on brown ground due to old insect activity. Fraying and pulling to threads. Overall good condition with bright coloration and tight weaving.