Lot 40C
Pre-Columbian, South Coast Peru, Paracas, ca. 600 to 400 BCE. A beautiful poporo made from a shell that was incised with a wonderful stellar pattern comprised of multiple star motifs. The opening is adorned with gold leaf and the opposite end is enclosed with wood. Gold was regarded as a sacred metal, ideal for decorating the possessions of an elite individual. A very special example from the indigenous of Paracas, a culture that flourished on the south coast of the central Andes and is among the earliest known societies of South America. Block stand.Size: 4" W x 3" H (10.2 cm x 7.6 cm)
Poporos or lime containers were part of the ancients' coca-chewing implements. They were made from various materials - including shell, stone, wood, bone, ceramic, and gold - throughout the Andes of South America for thousands of years. Traditionally, the indigenous chewed coca by placing some leaves in the cheek and gradually adding powdered lime made from calcined shells from the poporo in order to enhance the stimulating effect. A poporo consists of two pieces: the receptacle and the lid which includes a pin that is used to carry the lime to the mouth while chewing coca leaves. Since the chewing of coca is sacred for the indigenous people, poporos are also attributed with mystical powers and social status.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Westermann collection, Germany
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#123908
- Condition: Probably once had a lid, otherwise excellent save expected age wear.
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