Description:

Pre-Columbian, Central Coast of Peru, Chimu, ca. 1100 to 1470 CE. A hand-carved wooden poporo displaying a human flute player laying atop a barrel decorated with circles and birds. Atop his head is a roosting bird decorated with inlaid coral eyes. A poporo is a device used by indigenous cultures of Pre-Columbian South America for storage of small amounts of lime made from calcined seashells. It consists of two pieces: the receptacle, and the lid which includes a pin that is used to carry the lime to the mouth while chewing coca leaves. Since the chewing of coca has traditionally been considered sacred for the indigenous people, poporos have also been attributed with mystical powers and social status. Size: 1.6" L x 1.5" W x 3.2" H (4.1 cm x 3.8 cm x 8.1 cm)

Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to January 1, 2010

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#174943

  • Condition: Poporo and lid are likely not original to one another but are of the same age and culture. Minor nicks and abrasions, otherwise intact and excellent. Wonderful preservation to incised motifs and avian decorations.

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October 20, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000