Quechua Awayo or Woman's Mantle / Shawl

Red stripes, narrow as lines of text, running from edge to edge.

Quechua weavers of Bolivia made this awayo, or woman’s mantle, in wool in the late 19th or early 20th century. Awayos are commonly worn or used as carrying cloths, folded around shoulders or loads. This one is a deep red field divided into many vertical stripes of black and brown, with narrow bands of woven figures in pale thread. Small stepped and animal-like motifs repeat within the bands. The wool has a soft, worn feel.

About 46 inches by 35. Hang it, or throw it over a chair and call it design.