Description:

Pre-Columbian, Peru, Huari/Wari, ca. 700 to 1000 CE. An exceptionally large terracotta enema vessel painted in cream and black on red with a schematic design program, perhaps representing four contiguous profile figures, each with a large nose, a round eye, as well as a cross-like motif. According to Peter deSmet, author of "Ritual Enemas and Snuffs in the Americas", many Pre-Columbian societies practiced the ritual insertion of enemas (clyster) of alcohol and hallucinogens in order to enter an altered state of consciousness and partake in shamanic and religious rituals. Artwork from Mayan vases (although a culture far from the Huari, we believe the actions are analogous) show figures receiving enemas through syringes similar to this one. This was an exceedingly risky way to ingest these drugs, and shows the level of commitment that people had to becoming receptive to religious visions. Size: 4.125" in diameter at widest x 11.625" H (10.5 cm x 29.5 cm)

Provenance: private Rochester, Michigan USA collection acquired over twenty years ago

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#123634

  • Condition: Repaired from several pieces with abraded areas on the rim and some repainting. Former inventory number in white on the rim.

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

Artemis Fine Arts

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