Artwork Page for Bag with Human Face

Details / Information for Bag with Human Face

Bag with Human Face

600–1000

Andes, Wari, Middle Horizon, 6th-10th century

Medium
alpaca or llama hide, human hair, pigment, cotton; coca leaf contents
Measurements
Overall: 26.7 x 23.2 cm (10 1/2 x 9 1/8 in.); Bag: 26 cm (10 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund 2011.35
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

This bag was used to carry coca leaves.

Description

The face on this bag is decorated with geometric designs that also appear on Wari warrior representations; the circles on the panel beneath the face may refer to an elite tunic made of tie-dyed cloth. The bag was used to carry coca leaves, which in the past and today have important practical and religious purposes in the Andes. Chewing the leaves during physical exertion improves stamina; when used ritually, the leaves initiate communion with cosmic forces.
An alpaca hide bag takes a rectangular shape, featuring a three-dimensional face with circular eyes centered on a cream pouch. Red, cream, and ochre geometric patterns radiate across the face, framed by long, dark human hair. Below, a grid of red and tan circles within squares meets cream zigzags along the flared base. A long hide strap loops from the top corners, extending above the bag against a gray background.

Bag with Human Face

600–1000

Andes, Wari, Middle Horizon, 6th-10th century

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