Description:

Pre-Columbian, Peru, Paracas, ca. 500 BCE. Created from a human thighbone, a spatula used for hallucinogenic rituals. On the convex side of the spatula is an engraved serpent comprised of dotted motifs arranged in a sinuous form running the entire length - and the pièce de résistance is the carved bird finial. Some researchers believe that such dot motifs may also symbolize raindrops and irrigation canals. This spatula was used for extracting lime from a container as part of the elaborate shamanic ritual of ingesting hallucinogenic drugs. We know of them from burials, where they were placed as offerings and perhaps as provisions for the deceased alongside inhalation tubes and other paraphernalia. Size: 10.5" L (26.7 cm); 8.375" H (21.3 cm) on included custom stand.

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

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#139278

  • Condition: Bone shows expected ossification with a nice caramel color commensurate with age. Otherwise it is intact and excellent.

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March 21, 2019 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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