Description:

Pre-Columbian, Colombia, Narino Complex, ca. 1000 to 1250 CE. A delightful, hand-modeled statue of a male coca chewer, known as a coquero, sitting upon an integral bench, a bulge from the coca wad in his right cheek. As the chewer ruminates, the leaves become mixed into a ball with saliva and possibly a substance such as lime to enhance the alkaloid effects. Coca chewing was not only for religious rituals and inducing trance like states, but as a stimulant for relieving discomfort while working, suppressing fatigue, altitude sickness, hunger, and thirst. Its use was widespread amongst marching soldiers and laborers. The surface of this resting man is highly burnished and painted with burnt sienna slip with dark decorations. Size: 5.25" L x 5.25" W x 7.3" H (13.3 cm x 13.3 cm x 18.5 cm)

Provenance: private Bethesda, Maryland, USA collection, acquired via inheritance; ex-private USA collection, acquired in 1990

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#189339

  • Condition: Some nicks, abrasions, and stable hairline fissures, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent with liberal remaining pigment and nice burnish to surfaces.

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November 1, 2024 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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