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Bag with Human Face
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The face on this bag is decorated with geometric designs that also appear on Wari warrior representations; the circles on the panel beneath the face may refer to an elite tunic made of tie-dyed cloth. The bag was used to carry coca leaves, which in the past and today have important practical and religious purposes in the Andes. Chewing the leaves during physical exertion improves stamina; when used ritually, the leaves initiate communion with cosmic forces.
| Artist / Maker | Anonymous, 6th-10th century |
|---|---|
| Date | 600–1000 |
| Culture / Origin | Andes, Wari, Middle Horizon, 6th-10th century |
| Medium | alpaca or llama hide, human hair, pigment, cotton; coca leaf contents |
| Dimensions | Overall: 26.7 x 23.2 cm (10 1/2 x 9 1/8 in.); Bag: 26 cm (10 1/4 in.) |
| Department | Art of the Americas |
| Type | Mixed Media |
About the Artist
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.
Shipping & Collection
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