Poncho.
Title |
Poncho. |
Description |
This garment (40 x 60 inches) is of a type originally worn in South America used as a coat, made of a single piece of cloth with a slit in the middle for a person's head. This is likely a poncho of a Quechua man. Nearly every Quechua man and boy has a poncho, generally red in color and decorated with intricate designs. Quechuas is the collective term for several ethnic groups in western South America including Bolivia, where this textile was purchased. Traditions from these groups date to the Incas, but each ethnic group has a distinctive pattern for their poncho designs. The poncho's origins lie with the cultures of South and Central America. It is essentially a formless piece of clothing that, despite its basic design, protects the body effectively. It is traditionally worn by both men and women. In these indigenous cultures where the poncho and other textile weaves were staples of costume, what one wore was not only a decorative choice but could also be an indicator of status, origins, and familial association. Woven textiles from the indigenous groups of Central and South America are patterned with layers of meaning so that bands of colors, and the grouping of these, as well as arrangement of design, served as social indicators. Incan design is defined by its bright colors, geometric shapes and patterns. The textiles of the Incan groups are still woven by hand and made of cotton and wool from the alpaca as well as the more rare wool from the vicuna (a relative of the llama and alpaca). Donated by Amy Felty (4/2012)" |
Subject |
Quechua textile fabrics--Peru--Specimens.; Quechua textile fabrics--Bolivia--Specimens.; Sarapes--South America--Specimens.; Textile fabrics--South America--Specimens.; Ethnic costume--South America--Specimens.; South America--Antiquities--Specimens. |
Date |
[between 19--? and 2012] |
Rights |
Giertz Education Center @ the Krannert Art Museum |
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