The Aymara people of the Altiplano produced superb textiles that today are highly prized by collectors. This rare and excellent ikat poncho is a ceremonial piece worn by an esteemed elder for ritual use to ensure a bountiful harvest and strong and healthy herds of alpacas and llamas. Ikat textiles from this period are extremely rare, and this is the only ikat poncho known that has a purple alpaca ground. This piece shows little wear, and is one of the finest examples of such work.

Escoma, Bolivia

Aymara Ikat Poncho
c. 1750
Alpaca, cotton, indigo, cochineal, and natural dyes
77 x 58 inches

Provenance:
Heriot Collection, California, acquired 1977-78