Pre-Columbian, Central Peru, Inca Empire, ca. 1200 to 1532 CE. A fabulous textile coca bag comprised of tightly-woven camelid (alpaca or llama wool) fibers in vibrant hues of crimson, marigold, cobalt-blue, and cream. The trapezoidal bag features three columns of abstract, two-headed serpents with spotted bodies among fields of small rings, and the solid columns that separate them are shown in shades of red, blue, and yellow. Hanging from the bottom of the textile is a fringed panel with strips that match the color of the columns above and create a wondrous personalized presentation. A beautiful and sizable example of fine Inca textile artistry! Mounted on beige-hued, museum-quality fabric. Size (textile): 16" W x 21" H (40.6 cm x 53.3 cm); size (fabric): 37.75" W x 40.25" H (95.9 cm x 102.2 cm).
Snakes and serpents provide a fascinating element of Pre-Columbian iconography as they were regarded to be a beneficial source of nourishment and, at the same time, quite deadly due to their potent venom. Also important to the indigenous was the fact that snakes shed their skin annually thus rejuvenating themselves and serving as symbols of renewal and good health. The existence of two heads on each snake depicted on this piece may suggest the bicephalic serpent which was a signifier of high rank in various Pre-Columbian world views. These two-headed beasts were regarded as sky bands that arched over the earth or surrounded the seas serving as a passageway for the planets and stars of the celestial realm. This motif decorated articles associated with individuals of high rank, thus associating them with the powers of this mighty creature.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany, collected from 1950s to 1960s
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#148276
Condition
Minor loosening and fraying to some interior and peripheral fibers, with light fading and staining to original coloration, and minor creasing. Iconography is still visible and clear.