Offered for your consideration is an antique Bolivian textile, finely hand woven from wool. It is called a manta or aguayo and is traditionally used as a carrying cloth, worn around the shoulders of indigenous Andean women and knotted at the front or secured with a metal pin or safety pin. This manta most likely dates from the early 1900s. I purchased it in Arequipa, Peru, in 1982, and was told that it was made by the Aymara people of Bolivia. It is very tightly woven with incredible detail in the design, which shows various animals and a turtle. The design is the same on both sides, as shown in the first picture. These textiles were woven on a backstrap loom and are typically in two pieces, so you can see where it is sewn together in the center. The colors are a little more subtle than shown in the pictures, and I believe the yarns were dyed with natural dyes.
Condition : The piece is in very good condition for its age. There are no holes or tears, but there are two worn spots, as shown in photo 11. These could be restored. There is also a stain, possibly caused by the colors running, in one of the borders, shown in photo 12. Feel free to ask questions or request more photos. This item is from a smoke-free home.
Size : The piece is 39 by 35 inches. The central portion of the design is 13 inches wide and 35 inches long. The border designs are 4 inches wide and 35 inches long.
Shipping: The manta will be shipped by USPS Priority Mail and insured for the final auction price. A $5.00 handling fee has been added to cover the insurance.