Alforjas (saddlebags)

Bolivia, Department of Oruro,
Aymara Indians

Warp-faced plain weave, complementary-warp weave, alpaca

 19th century

 H 1’6 ½” x H 11 ½” mounted
V 1’10 ½” x H 1’7”  mounted

Price: $2500
 

While saddlebags were adopted from the Spanish, traditional designs continued to be used, and this pattern is typical of Aymara bags in complementary-warp weave, as is the pebbled surface. In this elegant composition, the forceful give and take of background and foreground is subtly balanced by changes of color and alteration of motif sequences, particularly along the central narrow stripes. Checkerboard straps and solid yellow and red outer bands are aesthetically rich and forceful finishing statements.