Pre-Columbian, Colombia, Tairona region, ca. 1000 to 1550 CE. A beautiful tumbaga (alloy of copper and gold) vessel called a poporo, cast using the lost wax process in the form of a mythical lizard with a long neck, flat snout, and raised eyes above a bulbous body with four nubbin-like limbs projecting from it. Small loops of tumbaga project from the sides. Size: 2.5" W x 1.75" H (6.4 cm x 4.4 cm)
A poporo is a container for lime used in the ingestion of coca leaves. From the earliest times, people in South America had a tradition of using coca leaves for ritual purposes. They were ingested by placing some of the leaves in the mouth and adding a small quantity of powdered lime, ground from seashells. Many poporos had elaborate figural forms, like this one.
This piece has been has been tested for the presence or absence of particular elements via XRF elemental analysis. A basic 1-page summary of the XRF screening will accompany purchase, identifying each element present in the sample, as well as the quantity of elements present. A more complete analysis detailing historical data / comparisons is available for additional charge –
please contact us. Provenance: private southern California, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s to mid-1980s
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#140895
Condition
A few of the loops on the body are partially or completely lost. Otherwise in very nice condition, with a dark patina and light encrustation in some places on the body. Small areas of corrosion around both openings on the body.