Aymara man's ceremonial poncho (ponchito). Before 1825. Altiplano region of Bolivia. This is a soulful old piece with deep, rich color. The proportion, scale and colors of the banding are indicative of an early piece. Weavings like this are not common. This one displays an ancient aesthetic that is timeless and pure altiplano Aymara. Such ponchitos were only worn by elders and important individuals during ceremonies within the remote community where it was made. In order for this textile to have survived - and considering the rustic conditions in which it must have been held - it would have had to have been treasured by the descendants of the family member for whom it was made. The Aymara consider textiles such as this to be alive with the energy of the person who owned it. It would have been conserved in a sacred bundle and passed down through the generations as a living representation of that ancestor - one who was revered by those who knew him. After the original owners death, it would have been removed from its bundle, worn and danced by his descendants in important ceremonies. This was a way of re-animating and reuniting the ancestor with his kin and community. For the Aymara, textiles such as this are believed to be alive. To them they are the embodiment of a sacred ancestor. Size: 40 x 45 inches. Additional information and images upon request.