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.

Brooklyn Museum Collection

Small round basketry-covered gourd container with round opening and a thin twined string handle.

FROM CARD: "MADE OF TWO FLAT PIECES OF BIRCHBARK SEPARATED AT THE SIDES WITH 1/4" THICK PIECES OF WOOD, AND BOUND INTO A FLAT POUCH OR CASE WITH STRIPS OF BRAIDED PORCUPINE QUILLS."There are incised drawings and markings on the bark on both sides of this container, including what appear to be American/European sailing ships and houses? At one time, this object had been possibly identified as part of the Wilkes/U.S. Exploring Expedition collection, but Jane Walsh doubts that attribution. Other possible sources might be the National Institute or John Varden collections, or the War Department Collection?

From card: "Beak pouch of [blank on card] for storing lumps of pitch." It appears this may be made from a pelican beak?, per Barbara Brotherton, Seattle Art Museum, 12-7-2009

FROM CARD: "DEPOSITED."The older of the two Anthropology catalogue ledger books appears to identify this object as a water "beaker." The newer catalogue ledger book and catalogue card transcribe the word "beaker" as "breaker." The object appears to resemble the type of bentwood wooden box sometimes used as a water box or bucket, though no lid or handle are currently present. There are holes on two sides near the top that possibly could have been used for a rope suspension handle at one point. It has been decided, for now, to label it as a water container, pending further information on its use.