Old, a bit worn, but with a lot of soul. This ponchito (small poncho) would have been worn by certain men of important stature within the Aymara community where it was woven. It was worn over a full sized poncho like a shoulder mantle - a mark of distinction for ceremonial gatherings. The textile itself dates to the first part of the 19th century, but the form is a vestige of earlier indigenous tunic-like garments in use for millennia by the Aymara populations of the Lake Titicaca Basin. The intense black ground, and beautiful drape of the fabric would have imparted a regal air to it's wearer. Woven of fine two ply alpaca fiber yarns worked in a warp-faced plain weave with complimentary warp patterning. It was made in two panels and stitched down the center with all sides selvedged as is the tradition for Aymara textiles. Size: 41 x 44 inches.