Pre-Columbian, Chile, San Pedro, Atacama Desert, Tiahuanaco / Tiwanaku, ca. 400 to 700 CE. A fabulous hand-carved wooden snuff tray, known as a rapero, of a rectangular form with a recessed quadrilateral for holding and preparing hallucinogenic substances used in rituals. The top of the fascinating vessel is intricately incised with an abstract rendering of a figure holding a staff, decorated with and surrounded by geometric motifs, as well as a series of decorative rectangular and triangular apertures. Size: 8.5" L x 3.125" W (21.6 cm x 7.9 cm); 7.5" H (19 cm) on included custom stand.
According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, "Snuff inhaled through tubes from small trays or tablets was common in the southern Andes where hallucinogen use was widespread… In the Atacama region of northern Chile, the highest concentration of wooden snuff trays has been found in burials in association with other paraphernalia, such as inhaling tubes, spatulas, small mortars and pestles, and snuff powder containers. The snuff, prepared from leaves, resin, and seeds of various plants dried and finely ground, was used to cure various ailments, to alleviate pain and conditions associated with high altitudes, to provide alertness in war and hunting, and to induce trances during rituals and ceremonies."
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany, acquired from 1950 to 1960s
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#162990
Condition
Verso has staining to corner and minor stable fissure to top. Expected nicks, scratches, and staining, commensurate with age and use. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice patina and light earthen deposits in recessed areas.