Woman's ceremonial aksu (overskirt) c. mid 19th century

This woman's ceremonial aksu, or overskirt, was woven by Aymara artists. The aksu speaks volumes about the social and cultural life of the Aymara people. The Aymara live in the Andes Mountains and Altiplano regions of South America, particularly in Bolivia and Peru. The geography of this region, with its high altitudes and challenging climate, has greatly influenced the Aymara culture and traditions, including their weaving. The intricate patterns and designs of the aksu are not merely decorative, but are visual codes that communicate social status. The process of weaving itself is a social act. By studying the design and production of pieces like the aksu, we can learn a great deal about the social fabric of Aymara communities. Museum collections and anthropological studies provide valuable resources for understanding the social history embedded in such textiles.