Kuti

Silverman (2008), in her study of Q’ero textiles (a traditional Andean community in the region of Cusco that has retained more of the traditional weaving practices than other areas), argues that this design signifies yellow and white kernels of corn. In Q’ero, bags called wayako are woven and may feature kuti in the multi-colored stripes called listas.

The multicolored lista stripes are also woven in other parts of Cusco. Silverman writes that the Q’ero lista motif records information much as the Andean quipu (Inca knotted cord device used to record information) did, because they both have the function of recording a classification system for goods such as corn, potatoes, llamas, types of water and soil (Silverman 2008).

References Cited

Silverman, Gail P. (2008). A Woven Book of Knowledge: Textile Iconography of Cuzco, Peru. Michigan: Sheridan Books, Inc., 2008.