Poporo (Lime Container) Item Number: 35.507 from the Brooklyn Museum
Label
Poporo are containers used to hold powdered lime made from burnt seashells. Placed in the mouth with coca leaves, powdered lime activates the stimulant in the leaves. In ancient times, ceremonial gold containers were utilized by priests and elites in Quimbaya society.
The male and female figures on opposing sides of the vessel reflect the importance of duality in the Andean world.
Credit Line
Alfred W. Jenkins Fund
Item History
- Made between 1 and 600
What
Who
- Culture
- Quimbaya
Where
- Holding Institution
- Brooklyn Museum
When
- Creation Date
- between 1 and 600
Other
- Location
- American Identities: A New Look, American Art Galleries, 5th Floor, The Americas’ First Peoples, 4000 B.C.E.–1521 C.E., 5th Floor
- Classification
- Vessel