Aymara Alforjas, (carrying bags). Late Colonial Period, Bolivia. 18th century. Warp-faced woven bags such as these were worn over the shoulders. They are always made in pairs, but rarely survive as such. The backs of alforjas are always left un-patterned and this is one way to distinguish them from other types of Aymara bags. They are said to be worn by itinerant, traditional healers and were used for transporting various herbal medicines, potions and ceremonial fetishes used in healing rites. Complete pairs are rare and this set is exceptional as regards the quality of weave, completeness and colonial period designs. Highly collectable. Size: approximately 15 x 13 inches each bag. i have other examples available, but this set is special.