Artwork Page for Bird-Shaped Container

Details / Information for Bird-Shaped Container

Bird-Shaped Container

500–900

Peru, Wari style

(500-900)
Medium
wood
Measurements
Overall: 8.4 cm (3 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
Edwin R. and Harriet Pelton Perkins Memorial Fund 1989.66
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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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.

Bird-Shaped Container

500–900

Peru, Wari style (500-900)

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