Pre-Columbian, Peru, likely Chimu culture, ca. 1000 to 1470 CE. A carved and polished stone poporo, a cylindrical vessel with a simple figure forming a projecting handle. The stone is hollowed out to form an ovoid tube that could be plugged with a stopper and may have been used as a snuff container for holding lime. From the earliest times, people in the Andes had a tradition of using coca leaves for ritual purposes which were ingested by placing some of the leaves in the mouth and adding a small quantity of powdered lime, ground from seashells. Size: 3.25" L x 2.25" W (8.3 cm x 5.7 cm)

Provenance: Private J. Hart Collection, Houston, Texas, USA, acquired mid-1970s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#167496

Minor surface wear and abrasions. Intact and great condition.