• Additional view of object
Sep 7, 2010

Feline Mortar and Pestle

Feline Mortar and Pestle

700–1 BCE

Part of a set. See all set records

Peru, North Highlands, Pacopampa(?), Chavín style

(900-200 BCE)

Stone, pigment

Overall: 5.8 x 11 cm (2 5/16 x 4 5/16 in.)

In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Humphreys, gift of their daughter Helen 1957.494

Location

232 Andean

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Description

Size suggests that this Chavín-style mortar and pestle were not used to grind bulky staples like corn, but instead pigments or plant hallucinogens used in religious rites to achieve spiritual insight and communion with cosmic forces. This set may come from Pacopampa, a site in the northern highlands where elites adopted Chavín deities and worshiped them alongside local deities. These small sculptures illustrate the appeal and the spread of Chavín religion.

See also
Collection: 
AA - Andes
Department: 
Art of the Americas
Type of artwork: 
Stone
Medium: 
Stone, pigment
Credit line: 
In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Humphreys, gift of their daughter Helen

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