New World, South America, Bolivia, Aymara (Aimara) people, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A poncho made of expertly woven and dyed alpaca fiber, consisting of four narrow stripes of bright pink and red bands and deep brown bands cut through with very narrow grey-brown lines. An opening for the head is lined with bright pink in the center of the panel. Size: 53.25" W x 55" H (135.3 cm x 139.7 cm)

The Aymara are an indigenous group who live in Bolivia, Peru, and Chile, in the Altiplano, mostly in the high altitude valley around Lake Titicaca. They are famous for their many different styles and types of woven textiles, which they have made for thousands of years. 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.

Provenance: private Ventura County, California, USA collection

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#125232

Light wear commensurate with age, but in generally beautiful condition.