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Spatula with Carved Lizard

100 BCE–700 CE
bone with shell inlay
Overall: 11.8 x 2.6 cm (4 5/8 x 1 in.)
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1955.83
Location: 232 Andean
Public Domain
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Description

Peruvian Indians today regard coca leaf as a sacred substance that creates communion with supernatural forces. 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; like coffee, it induces clear-headedness; and it increases stamina. The lizard spatula is Nasca in style.
Spatula with Carved Lizard

Spatula with Carved Lizard

100 BCE–700 CE

Peru, South Coast, Nasca

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