1989.W.2436 Bag (Peru, Inka)

Coca has been cultivated and consumed by Andean societies for thousands of years. The leaves of the coca plant contain alkaloids that suppress hunger and fatigue, especially at high altitudes. In Andean societies past and present, the plant has functioned as an integral part of social interaction and reciprocal exchange within communities and with the natural environment through ritual use and caching of the precious coca leaves.

Bags for carrying coca leaves were common accoutrements of Andean attire, principally worn by men but not uncommon to women in certain communities. The small pouch was hung from the shoulder or across the body by a long strap, affording easy access to the bag contents. Known as chuspa (ch’uspa) in Quechua, these bags continue to be used today.

Kimberly L. Jones, PhD, Inca: Conquests of the Andes / Los Incas y las conquistas de los Andes, Label text, 2015.

Inka (Inca): AAT: 300017326

Inca horizon: AAT: 300017352

Inca Empire: TGN: 6002741

Peru (nation): TGN: 1000056

textiles (visual works): AAT: 300014063

textile materials: AAT: 300231565

camelidae (camelid) fiber: AAT: 300310434

weaving: AAT: 300053642

embroidering: AAT: 300053653

warp: AAT: 300227930

weft: AAT: 300227934

Late Horizon Period: AAT: 300017332

bags (costume accessories): AAT: 300198926

pouches (bags): AAT: 300194553

coca bags (costume accessories): DMA

coca (plants / Erythroxylum (genus) Erythroxylaceae (family)): AAT: 300411778

leaves (plant components): AAT: 300400479

chew (action): DMA

chuspas (ch’uspas / vistallas / bags (costume accessories)): AAT: 300410685

ritual (events): AAT: 300065284

ritual objects: AAT: 300312158

red (color): AAT: 300126225

black (color): AAT: 300130920

brown (color): AAT: 300127490

geometric motifs: AAT: 300009764

stripes: AAT: 300010230

zigzags (geometric patterns): AAT: 300165028

diamonds (motifs): AAT:  300009791

Quechua: AAT: 300017928

Until 1976: Nora and John Wise, New York [1]

1976-1989: Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, on long-term loan from the above [1], [2]

From 1989: Dallas Museum of Art, the Nora and John Wise Collection, bequest of Nora Wise [1]

[1] The main source for this provenance is existing information in TMS. Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted.

[2] The name of the Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, founded in 1933, was changed to the Dallas Museum of Art in 1983.

Apply to objects where number equals 1989.W.2436