Bag (Chuspa)

ClassificationsClothing and Adornments-bags, pouches, and purses

Culturepossibly Aymara

Culturepossibly Quechua

Dateearly to mid 20th Century

Made AtBolivia, South America

MediumCamelid wool

Dimensions8 × 8 1/2 in. (20.3 × 21.6 cm)

Credit LineAnonymous Gift

Object number2016.15.22

DescriptionChuspas are small personal bags used by the Aymara and Quechua people to carry coca leaves. The leaves are chewed to remedy altitude sickness and provide a burst of energy, but they also have spiritual and social significance: to offer someone a cocoa leaf is a sign of friendship, and they are often left as offerings to gods. Chuspas are only worn by men and hang from the shoulder, neck, or waist. They predate both Spanish colonialism and the Incan conquest of the Andean peoples. Despite this, they are still regularly worn as part of traditional dress today and, in some parts of Bolivia, are incorporated into Catholic mourning clothes.

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