Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche Culture, ca. 100 to 500 CE. A well-preserved wooden ceremonial lime container known as a poporo, in an anthropomorphic form with a separate stopper featuring a jaguar finial. The vessel is cylindrical- the figure seated on folded legs - one is delightfully carved into the base. He holds a pan flute to his mouth that is etched in a smiling U-shape, and the oversized head contains nacre and spondylus shells inlaid as the eyes, and headdress. The neck of the container and opening rise from the musicians' back, his body etched with curvilinear motifs found in Moche weaving. The lid finial / handle is a standing jaguar with perked ears and charming eyes, and from underneath extends a pick for serving the lime. Poporos that were highly decorative, such as this, likely held lime powder used in ceremonies, crushed calcined shells were generally used in the mixture, and were necessary to activate the hallucinogenic properties during the consumption of coca. Size: 3" Diameter L x 6" H (7.6 cm x 15.2 cm)

From the earliest times, people in the Andes had a tradition of using coca leaves for ritual purposes. They were ingested by placing some of the leaves in the mouth and adding a small quantity of powdered lime, ground from seashells. The poporo was often elaborately conceived and sculptural - indeed, the time of the Moche has been called the "Mastercraftsman Period" for its incredible artwork, especially with miniature depictions as exemplified by this container!

Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to January 1, 2010

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#174921

Stable pressure fissures om jaguar. Nicks and chips to shell inlays, otherwise intact and overall excellent. Great patina to wood and sharp motifs throughout.