Description
Peruvian Indians today regard coca leaf as a sacred substance that creates communion with deities. The leaves are chewed with powdered lime that in antiquity was stored in containers and scooped with spatulas like those seen here. Aside from its ritual meaning, coca has practical benefits: it is vitamin-rich and, like coffee, induces clear-headedness. The lizard spatula is Nasca; the other two are Wari.
Provenance
Alan Lapiner; Alan Lapiner
Accession Number
1989.66
Medium
wood
Dimensions
Overall: 8.4 cm (3 5/16 in.)
Classification
Sculpture
Credit Line
Edwin R. and Harriet Pelton Perkins Memorial Fund