Pre-Columbian, Peru, Moche, ca. 200 to 400 CE. A fine figurative poporo finely carved from wood and adorned with a gold head and chin band adorned with repousse circular motifs, and large shell inlaid eyes. The visage, perhaps that of a cazique or shaman, is carved in high and low relief with a pronounced nose, full lips, laugh lines, and elongated ears ideal for attaching ornaments. Poporos were storage containers used to store lime as ingesting limes was customary when chewing coca leaves. Since this was a sacred custom, poporos were associated with mystical powers and elite social status. Size: 2-1/2" x 3"

Provenance: Ex-Westermann collection, Germany.

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#110350

Quite excellent