18th c., Alto Peru, from the workshops of the Moxos, Chiquitos or Guarani Jesuit Missions, shaped, shell-form hinged lid, the conforming body with overall carving, 6"h; 8.5"w; along with a silver CALERO used to spread lime (cal) over coca leaves, 6.5" (not incl. chain and pin)
The Jesuit Missions, dispatched by the Spanish Crown in 1615, taught various skills to the indigenous inhabitants in Alto Peru, Peru and Paraguay. The Jesuits gathered nomadic populations into larger communities to convert them to Christianity and make them adopt European culture. These communities guided by the Jesuits remained autonomous and isolated from Spanish colonists and Spanish rule. The Jesuits were
Coca leaves were dampened before chewing. The result of lime plus moisture produces slaked limed which is used for pickling.

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