Description:

Pre-Columbian, Colombia, Tairona, ca. 1000 to 1500 CE. Two unusual tools used for the storage and ingestion of coca leaves; the first one carved from a striking red stone in the form of a spiral spine of a conch shell with a small bowl in which coca leaves were mixed, presenting perforations at both ends for suspension; the second piece, a white shell used to store coca, boasts a lovely organic form with a perforation at one end for suspension. Size: red stone implement measures 4.5" L x 1.375" in diameter (11.4 cm x 3.5 cm); white shell storage vessel measures 2" L x 1.125" in diameter (5.1 cm x 2.9 cm)

According to the Tairona Heritage Trust, "The word ‘coca’ derives from an Aymara word that means simply ‘tree’. Prior to the Conquest, Indians used various names for the several varieties of cultivated Erythroxylum. The Spanish took the name ‘coca’ from the southern reaches of the Incan empire and bought it into use throughout their domain . . . Coca chewing suffused South American life and the stimulant properties of its leaves have been known from at least the Nazca period (around AD 500). ‘We know this because of the discovery of the mummified remains of a Peruvian potentate of this era accompanied by several bags of coca leaves. In addition, pottery of this period frequently depicts coca chewers with their characteristic distended cheeks.’ (Mann J.)" (http://tairona.myzen.co.uk/index.php/culture/the_use_of_coca_in_south_america)

Provenance: Whisnant Gallery, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; acquired over twenty years ago

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#123039

  • Condition: Small nick to opening of shell storage vessel. Ancient break with restoration and tiny nicks to rim of bowl on red stone piece.

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

Artemis Fine Arts

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