Spatula

Item number Sf529 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Data
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Description

A conical metal shaft with a modelled, quadruped finial. The animal has a large muzzle, a tail, ears and horns. A hole is cast through the thick part of the shaft a centimetre below the finial.

History Of Use

These pin-like artifacts 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). Related objects are more spoon-like and have a flattened tip (Bingham). Some may have functioned as lime bottle stoppers as well (Kaufmann Doig).