Coca in the Andes
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
For thousands of years, the coca plant (Erythroxylum coca) has played an essential role in the daily life and ritual practices of Andean peoples. Carried in bags as a common individual accessory, the coca leaves contain alkaloids that, when consumed, suppress fatigue and increase energy, counteracting physical effects caused by extreme altitudes.
1976.W.2153 Four-cornered hat (Peru, Wari)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The four-cornered hat was a popular high-status headdress in the south-central and southern Andean highlands among Huari (Wari) and Tiahuanaco (Tiwanaku) elites. The finest Tiahuanaco examples are of continuous tapestry weave, while the Huari examples reflect separate weaving of the band and top. The piling of supplemental fibers through lark’s head knots is common to Huari hats.
1989.W.2313 Headband (Peru, Wari)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
NOTES
- Wari (Huari), Middle Horizon, 800–1000; updated by KJones in TMS on 03/31/14, 11/19/15, and 12/23/15.
- Updated geography in TMS to reflect Inca label -- Perú: Andean highlands or coast.
- Note
1989.W.2364 Bag (Peru, south coast?)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
NOTES
- n.d., updated by KJones in TMS on 12/23/15.
- Updated geography, dates, and medium in TMS to reflect Inca label -- Perú: south coast (?), A.D.
S.1980.6 Textile fragment (Peru, central coast)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
NOTES
- n.d., NOT updated by KJones in TMS.
- Updated geography, dates, and medium in TMS to reflect Inca label -- Perú: central coast, A.D.
1976.W.2059 Headband (Peru, Wari)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
NOTES
- Wari (Huari) provincial, Middle Horizon, 800-1000 C.E.; updated by KJones in TMS on 10/15/13, 06/01/15, and 12/08/15, and 12/14/15.
- Updated geography in TMS to reflect Inca label -- Perú: Andean coast
- Note: no genera
1989.W.2331 Bag (Peru, Nasca-Wari)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
NOTES
- Nasca-Wari (Huari), Middle Horizon, 700-900, updated by KJones in TMS on 10/15/13, 12/11/15, and 12/23/15.
- Updated geography and dates in TMS to reflect Inca label -- Perú: south or central coast, A.D.
1983.W.1927 Needle case (Peru, Andean coast)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This long tubular container is woven from reed and camelid fiber. The latter produces an intricate, multi-colored pattern around the surface. Although empty, the container likely served as a portable needle case for a textile artisan during the Middle Horizon (600-1000 CE).
1989.W.1925 Border (Peru, Moche-Wari/Huari)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This textile band reflects the interaction of highland Huari (Wari) and coastal Moche along the north-central coast. Typical of coastal production, the band was woven in dyed camelid fiber over cotton warps with slit tapestry weave. This discontinuous weave is clearly visible in the openwork panels and through the shifting colors.
1983.W.1858 Pedestal cup (Peru, Inka)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This pedestal cup resembles the Spanish-style goblet, and this form became incorporated into the repertoire of Andean quero designs.