MARVELOUS ANTIQUE ANDES TEXTILE ARTWORK Large Ceremonial Bundle Cloth TM10418

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MARVELOUS ANTIQUE ANDES TEXTILE ARTWORK Large Ceremonial Bundle Cloth TM10418:
$129.00

THE NEW AKATAKSA

AKATAKSA began in February, 1998. For 20 years, we have maintained a 100% positive response score with over 3000 customers, following a passion to learn about and share with the world primitive crafts once produced by “savages,” as Huxley and Darwin called them. Whether we identify their creations as “tribal, indigenous, native, pagan or primitive,” we are fortunately exposed to expressions of human spirit, uncomplicated by modern civilization, politics, economics and science. We can hold and study objects that were produced from the “heart” of humanity – hand-made objects that convey a “natural” interpretation of reality rather than things mass-produced by machines or constructed from synthetic materials. These indigenous masterpieces offer pathways to better understanding the past, its philosophies, ideologies, spirituality, intelligence and wisdom. Through tribal arts, we can glimpse into worlds that are now, all but extinct.

Our debt to the preservation of AKATAKSA tribal art is first due to Pete Fritz, a veteran of three U.S. wars and later, engineer on the NASA Lunar Excursion Module that allowed man to land on the moon. Pete, 89, maintained our sales for 19 years; he retired from AKATAKSA last year. Then, to his son, writer and professional anthropologist Lorenzo Fritz-Francisco, who, since 1965, has passionately acquired native arts and studied tribal cultures. Along with photographer, linguist and historian Juli Apaza, an Aymara Indian of Andean origin, three generations of our family have contributed to serving you and native peoples from both North and South America through our AKATAKSA and ANDESAMAZON sites. From our family to yours, we are pleased to offer precious examples of tribal art that we hope you enjoy as much as we do.

AN ADMIRABLE, FINELY WOVEN Q´IPI INKHUÑA
FROM THE HIGHLANDS NEAR SACRED LAKE TITIKAKA, BOLIVIA

Inventory Number: TM10418

Origin/Provenance: The q´ipi inkhuña is from the Umanata (Humanata) Pueblo region, elevation about 13,600 to 13,800 feet, Camacho Province, Department of La Paz, Bolivia, South America.

This is a mountainous region about 12-15 miles northeast of sacred Lake Titikaka and less than 10 miles east of the border with Perú. Until recent years this area was exceptionally remote. Since late Colonial times the inhabitants of the high Umanata valleys have spoken a dialect of the Northern Aymara language although they are descended from Pukina speakers as documented by Spanish chroniclers in the 17th century. Pukina was the royal language of the Incas and is still spoken in secret among Kallawaya tribesmen who live a little farther to the northeast.

Background and Description:

This special offer consists of a beautiful and delightful ceremonial q´ipi inkuña from a very high elevation east of Sacred Lake Titikaka. This is an indigenous Native American hand-woven, warp-faced Andean ritual cloth woven on a provisional ground loom consisting of just loose sticks. Q´ipi inkuña were woven exclusively as ceremonial cloths for packing smaller bundles and assorted sacred objects to be carried to important communal rituals. The existence of q’ipi inkuña was first professionally reported by our own AKATAKSA ICB investigators. This desirable textile has a beautiful, dark red lateral field and a variegated, light to medium gray central field. The teal green accents are especially nice.

There are three complementary warp pattern bands with designs consisting of various geometric figures as well as a duck-like figure and humans in hats. Some of the geometric designs may represent letters but most are actually of ancient origin (e.g. the S, N, O and I-shapes). Letter-like designs in Andean textiles are known from the early Colonial (“neo-Inka”) period [see for example: To Weave for the Sun: Ancient Andean Textiles 1992 by Rebecca Stone-Miller, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston]. The weft (hidden yarns) consist of fine, mostly dyed-red camelid (alpaca, llama and huarizo) wool. Red weft yarns are often found in Colonial-period and 19th century Andean textiles and seldom seen on 20th century pieces. Weaving with hidden red yarns may have once had spiritual significance in the Andes. Dyed camelid wool is also fairly rarely seen in 20th century specimens. Undoubtedly, the weaver was familiar with old, probably 19th century traditions. The textile is expertly and very finely woven with 68 warps per inch and 13 to 15.5 wefts per inch. This is a wonderful and quite gorgeous Andean ritual cloth in super condition that displays superbly. The q´ipi inkuña is about 70 to 75 years old.

Approximate Age: Mid-20th century, circa 1940´s. Please refer to the AKATAKSA \"DATING\" TERMS.

Materials: Hand-spun, two-ply, dyed and natural sheep, alpaca, llama and huarizo (mixed llama/alpaca breed) wool in Z-spun, S-ply yarn.

Approximate Size: 39 inches by 36 inches.

Condition: EXCELLENT, guarded condition.

There are no holes or noticeable worn spots. There are no significant, unsightly stains. A few small sections have extremely light dye transfer due to light discoloration from tightening the red weft yarns against white warp yarns with a bone awl. The greater part of this light transference is on the backside of the inkuña. The textile is bright and clean and displays perfectly, as seen in the photos. Please also refer to the AKATAKSA TEXTILE \"CONDITION\" TERMS.

SHIPPING The successful buyer RECEIVES FREE* CONTIGUOUS U.S.A. UNINSURED SHIPPING SERVICE.
Not responsible for uninsured items.*NOTE to UK and OTHER FOREIGN FRIENDS. notations of \"FREE SHIPPING\" only pertain to the seller\'s noted destinations. In this case, \"FREE SHIPPING\" is ONLY TO ANY OF THE LOWER 48, OR CONTIGUOUS UNITED STATES & THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (Washington D.C.). We believe the cost for shipping abroad is extravagant. This is not our fault. All concerned non-U.S.A. buyers should contact us for shipping charges before offerding or buying. In most cases, for items weighing under 1.5 kilograms, we will pay $7 to $10 USD of the shipping costs for you.

AKATAKSA RETURN POLICY

no longer allows us to automatically accept returns in exchange for merchandise. However, WE WILL ACCEPT RETURNS IN EXCHANGE FOR ITEMS IN OUR STORE INVENTORY [buyer pays return shipping within three days of receipt]. In 20 years on , we\'ve had less than half a dozen returns. Our monthly sales are extremely important to us and we simply cannot afford to offer money-back returns. WE PROMISE TO DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO ASSURE THAT YOU ARE SATISFIED WITH YOUR PURCHASES.

AKATAKSA TEXTILE “CONDITION” TERMS:

Terms used to describe the physical condition of textiles can be subjective and vary greatly from one observer to another. What some others might call “mint” condition, we call “good;” what others believe is “excellent” condition, we call “fair.” We present correct and faithful descriptions of condition and will never report that a textile´s appearance is commensurate with its age, which has little to do with its actual physical state. We make a concerted effort to describe all damage, repairs and non-new manifestations precisely and accurately. Following are explanations of the terms we use.

MINT = Like new. Unused. As if taken off the loom. No wear or patina of any kind. These textiles may have “nubs” or even loose, uncut threads from the weaving process.

EXCELLENT = Usually only lightly used, often guarded or stored for many years. There may be extremely light wear, patina and sheen from use. There may also be nearly undetectable light staining or soiling from use. The colors may have muted ever so slightly due to age or exposure, often improving the beauty of a textile.

VERY GOOD = Usually lightly or only periodically used. The surface may be very lightly but evenly worn. There are no tears or distracting holes. There may be minimal surface discoloration. Vintage textiles may have lightly darkened yarn from use and age (staining and soiling). Overall the textile will be in outstanding condition and at a displayable distance will appear perfect.

GOOD = Usually moderately to well-used. There may be light to medium staining, isolated or throughout. Some parts of the textile may be worn or have very small holes, occasionally exposing hidden thread yarns. Edges may be lightly frayed. Surface discoloration due to age and exposure is common but often improving the appearance of a textile. There may be minor, light or isolated, dye “run.” Damage will not distract significantly from the textile when displayed.

FAIR = Either well-used or moderately abused. Extensive wear is common as is some “bleeding” or dye “run.” In most 20th century cases the colors have considerably faded. Sections of fringe or tassels may be missing. Textiles may be in otherwise excellent condition but with a single isolated sector of damage that greatly reduces its aesthetic appeal. Most vintage tribal textiles on the market are in FAIR TO GOOD condition.

POOR = Showing evidence of extreme usage and damage. These textiles do not display well and are primarily useful as study specimens or examples of sometimes very rare textiles.

AKATAKSA \"DATING\" TERMS:

PREHISTORIC, PRE-COLUMBIAN, ANCIENT = Before around A.D. 1500.

18TH CENTURY = A.D. 1700 to 1799.

19th CENTURY = 1800 to 1899.

TURN OF THE 19TH CENTURY = 1890 to 1910.

EARLY-20TH CENTURY = 1900 to 1933.

MID-20TH CENTURY = 1934 to 1966.

LATE-20TH CENTURY = 1967 to 1999.

TURN OF THE 20TH CENTURY = 1995 to 2005.

EARLY-21ST CENTURY = 2000 to Present.

COLONIAL = A.D. 1532 to 1825.

ANTIQUE = Over 50 years old.

VINTAGE = Over 30 years old.

CONTEMPORARY = Made in the last 5 years.

CIRCA = \"Approximately/around/within a few years of.\"

OUR COMMITMENT

We believe the world can be a better place. We believe that humanity has a higher, aspiring destination. We know that through mutual respect conflicts will subside. We know that by understanding our differences we can help one another. We believe that our Mother Earth and our Universe can provide unlimited resources for every man, woman and child to live in peace, happiness and love. As stewards of the human race we have an intrinsic responsibility to do what we can to improve our world as much as possible.

The majority of human existence has been dominated by so-called “Native” groups, also known as tribal folk, original residents, indigenous people, aboriginals, First Nations, traditional ethnicities, autochthonous societies, autochthonal cultures, et. al. At some point, of course, our ancestors were the same… regardless of current culture, creed or color. Regrettably, in the past half a millennium, thousands of unique tribal groups have disappeared due to misunderstanding, impudence and ethnocentrism. Aspects of colonialism, capitalism, racism and politicization have directly and circuitously destroyed myriad native cultures, each a once-valuable resource to our planet. Of the nearly 7000 languages currently spoken on our planet, over 6000 are in immediate danger of becoming extinct. Nearly all, being ethnic indigenous. We believe the very few “Native” groups that remain on earth should be cherished and carefully supported. Unfortunately, we are on the brink of losing our connection with indigenous spirit, wisdom and traditional knowledge. For those whose customs have vanished, our window into their worlds is only available through literature, paintings, photographs, a few recordings and material culture, or the objects they created.

For more than a quarter-century those of us behind AKATAKSA/ANDESAMAZON have dedicated our professional interests in documenting “traditional” South American indigenous cultures, especially through their material culture. Our field studies have led us to some of the most remote people on the continent. We have witnessed Native Americans existing exactly as their ancestors did in prehistoric times… and others who have jumped from 18th-century existence to 21st-century reality in the blink of an eye. Our ethnographic investigations have resulted in preserving valuable data related to linguistics, cultural history, ethno-Environmental relationships, socio-cultural organization, cosmology, mythology, spirituality and of course, material culture. We have a detailed proposal for a magnificent cultural center-museum aimed at stimulating interest in past and present indigenous cultures. Our unique idea is not just to show beautiful objects on display. Ours is to share the entire background of a piece, not only from a scientific or scholarly point of view but also from a cultural and spiritual perspective as well. This holistic approach to understanding indigenous material culture shall include accompanying photographs, films, recorded testimonials, music, related specimens and even field notes. We want to inspire our visitors to continue their own investigations into realms of mysterious phenomena that we really know very little about.

Apart from receiving monies for researching indigenous material culture, our sales contribute toward expanding interest in past cultures and ways of life. Not only can ones´ personal Environment be enhanced with beautiful and interesting objects, but the benefits of knowing about different ideologies, unique ways of life and past or nearly-extinct traditions are utterly invaluable. We encourage every buyer to intimately study each piece and learn as much as possible about its origin, function, importance and spiritual history. We hope that whatever understanding, knowledge and insights are obtained from our objects will be shared with companions, friends and especially children. In this small way, we feel inspired in preserving something of native cultures and making the world a better place. Thanks for working with us.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST AND SUPPORT