Description:

Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche Culture, ca. 100 to 500 CE. A beautifully preserved wood poporo in the form of a male elite's face. The lord is well carved, with wide, staring eyes inlaid with shell. Lines around his mouth may indiciate that this depiction is of an older man. Hammered gold straps with raised, repeated circles wrap around the top of his head - the removable lid of the container - and form a strap under his chin. Size: 2.5" W x 3" H (6.4 cm x 7.6 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. The poporo was a special vessel made to hold the lime. Gold decoration was associated with the highest ranked male members of Andean society, emphasizing this depiction as that of a lord. This poporo was made to be owned by someone powerful in the society and probably placed to provision an elite man's tomb.

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

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#123565

  • Condition: Wood has some patina and cracking from age and wear. Details remain excellent.

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

Artemis Fine Arts

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