**First Time At Auction**

Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Chimu/Chancay/Inca, ca. 1100 to 1550 CE. A wonderful ensemble of four textile bags comprised of camelid/cotton fibers, used for carrying cocoa leaves and/or other cherished possessions. Two display nicely coordinating patterns of red, black, and brown striations and bands of decorative cream-hued s-shaped spiral motifs. Another bag featuring registers of nested bird motifs in chocolate brown and cream hues, has a very old label that reads, "Bag for carrying cocoa leaves for chewing to relieve fatigue. Chimaboli, Peru, 400 years old." Finally, the smallest bag presents a trapezoidal form with wonderful stylized geometric patterns in red, beige, and taupe hues, a braided handle, and a long tassel at the bottom. Today the indigenous continue to nourish Pachamama with offerings of coca leaves in their collective hope to placate the mountain gods (apu). Size: 8.375" L x 7.5" W (21.3 cm x 19 cm)

Provenance: private Andrade collection New York, NY, USA acquired 1960's; ex-Knoedler & Company

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#131523

All show varying degrees of staining, fading, fraying, torn, and loosened fibers. Still a lovely group.