Poncho

ClassificationsClothing and Adornments-principal attire (upper body)

Dateearly to mid 20th Century

Made AtCusco Department, Peru, South America

MediumCamelid wood

Dimensions35 × 41 in. (88.9 × 104.1 cm)

Credit LineAnonymous Gift

Object number2016.15.14

DescriptionThe teal color in this poncho is unusual. The poncho is Peruvian traditional heritage, is the typical dress of Peru. A rectangular piece of thick fabric with a cut in the center practiced for the head. The cloth is dropped onto the body, having the ends so that the arms move freely allowed. It is believed that the etymological source of the word Poncho comes from the Quechua word Punchu. But before the Incas, the ponchos existed. The poncho contains in its plot the secret history of the peoples of Peru. The poncho appeared at least 1000 years before Christ, in Paracas, and was used as an offering for the burials. The different pre-Columbian cultures, gave particular importance to the clothes that should accompany you to the afterlife. For those cultures the clothes are made to last beyond death. Were tailored in Alpaca fiber because it would be the only fiber that should come against eternity. The Peruvian poncho as we know it today, comes from the early XVII century is supposedly a variation of the Unku, a variety of vest with central opening, which would have become a tunic.

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