Description:

Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche Culture, ca. 100 to 300 CE. A charming large, pale green stone hallucinogenic drug mortar in the form of a frog. He sits, his mouth stretched in a wide, closed-mouth smile, incised round eyes on top of his head, and with a serpent carved in relief on his back. Under the body is an opening for use as a mortar. Size: 5" W x 4" H (12.7 cm x 10.2 cm)

From the earliest times, people in the Andes had a tradition of using coca leaves for ritual purposes. They were often ingested by placing some of the leaves in the mouth and adding a small quantity of powdered lime, ground from seashells. Mortars and pestles were required to grind materials for ingesting the drugs. Like this example, they were often elaborately carved and decorated, given a figural form. Toads and frogs are common iconography in ancient Peru, where their tadpole-to-land-animal life cycle resulted in them becoming symbols of rebirth. Some toads were also known for their hallucinogenic secretions and toad remains are commonly found in tombs. The serpent was also a common symbol associated with shamanism and drug use, with human figures often given snake-like qualities (like a forked tongue).

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Westermann collection, Germany

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#123829

  • Condition: Surface wear as shown.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

May 25, 2017 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000