Item Records

This page shows all the information we have about this item. Both the institution that physically holds this item, and RRN members have contributed the knowledge on this page. You’re looking at the item record provided by the holding institution. If you scroll further down the page, you’ll see the information from RRN members, and can share your own knowledge too.

The RRN processes the information it receives from each institution to make it more readable and easier to search. If you’re doing in-depth research on this item, be sure to take a look at the Data Source tab to see the information exactly as it was provided by the institution.

These records are easy to share because each has a unique web address. You can copy and paste the location from your browser’s address bar into an email, word document, or chat message to share this item with others.

  • Data
  • Data Source

This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.

Description

A conical metal shaft with modelled quadruped figure finial. The animal figure has a square muzzle, ears and a long tail lying over its back, and it crouches on a rectangular platform. There is a hole through the shaft just below the finial.

History Of Use

Artifacts like this are common in north coast graves from the Moche Period onward. They probably functioned as spatulas for dipping the lime out of a container for use during coca-leaf chewing (Antze). Coca leaves were chewed with lime for the narcotic effect of cocaine as part of many rituals.

Narrative

Vicus style, Early Intermediate Period; 0-200 C.E. Related objects have a flattened tip and are more spoon-like. Some may have functioned as lime bottle stoppers as well.

Iconographic Meaning

The doubled back tail relates this figure to a feline on the handle of a Vicus knife (Disselhoff).

Item History

  • Made in Peru during 200
  • Collected between 1949 and 1966
  • Owned by Anonymous before May 4, 1981
  • Received from Anonymous (Donor) on May 4, 1981

With an account, you can ask other users a question about this item. Request an Account

With an account, you can submit information about this item and have it visible to all users and institutions on the RRN. Request an Account

Similar Items