Description:

Pre-Columbian, Peru (North Coast), Sican or Chimu, ca. 1100 to 1470 CE. A beautifully-preserved wooden inhalation tube for the ingestion of snuff. Rows of repeated abstract motifs are incised down the body. The motifs show trophy heads with angular features, each with two triangular, horn- or antler-like projections. Remains of a white, powdery pigment - probably lime - are present in the incised lines, especially on one end. The tube has two drilled perforations in order to suspend it, perhaps to wear it on a belt or sew it to clothing. Size: 1.5" W x 13" H (3.8 cm x 33 cm)

This item represents the drug paraphernalia employed by many people in the Atacama Desert region of ancient Chile. Wooden inhalation tubes like this one are found in burials alongside trays for spreading powder, spatulas, mortars and pestles, and other items for the ingestion of snuff. The mixture, prepared from resin, leaves, and ground seeds, was used in part to induce a hallucinogenic state for shamanic ritual.

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

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#123556

  • Condition: Dark patina on wood from age/wear. Excellent condition with only tiny scratches in limited places.

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

Artemis Fine Arts

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