Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino

Native peoples > Quechua

Art

Traditional ceramic and textile arts are still practiced in some Quechua communities. Pottery is manufactured primarily for domestic use and includes large urns for storing food and drink, and smaller vessels for serving. Quechua textiles include carry bags of various sizes, cargo bags and sacks, belts, cloths and blankets, all of which are woven by the women on floor and backstrap looms. Quechua men also participate in the textile tradition by making cordage for rope and slingshots. Dance, music and song are other Quechua artistic expressions that are used in rituals and especially in religious festivities such as the carnivals celebrating the Catholic patron saints of each community.