Spatula with Carved Lizard

100 BCE–700 CE
Overall: 11.8 x 2.6 cm (4 5/8 x 1 in.)
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Location: 232 Andean

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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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