Description:

Pre-Columbian, Colombia, Narino Complex, ca. 1000 to 1250 CE. A 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: 4.9" L x 4.9" W x 8.1" H (12.4 cm x 12.4 cm x 20.6 cm)

Provenance: private Redwood City, California, USA collection

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.

#182978

  • Condition: Repairs on arms, legs, and plinth, with small chips and light adhesive along break lines. Light earthen deposits, with small chips around plinth, and fading to pigment, otherwise in great condition. Nice preservation to figural form.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

December 14, 2023 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 26.5% 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 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000