This beautiful aksu, or women's over-skirt, comes from the Candelaria village area of Bolivia and is an essential part of the traditional ceremonial ensemble of the women of that region. Woven on the vertical axis, it is worn on the horizontal and has a broad hem of elaborate designs. The central design strip features a geometric arrangement while the two outer strips are primarily dominated by horses bearing banners, with several rows of llamas, and the interruption of the pattern towards one end in these design strips denotes this textile as a four-selvedge weave. It is constructed in the warped-faced weave and complimentary-warp weave technique and the narrow outer black edge under the design strips is woven using the lloque method (which produces a herringbone-like effect and is said to contain magical properties), making this a special garment. The size is 84cm x 110cm (33in x 43in), it was made sometime in the 2nd quarter of the 1900’s and was collected in Bolivia in the 1970’s with only the one owner since. Save for wear to the lower ribete it is in excellent condition with no repairs or reweaves. For more photos and information please see https://warpandweft.club/portfolio-item/south-america-11/