Pineapple Poporo

In Pre-Spanish times, the practice of chewing the leaves of the small Erithroxylum coca bush spread over a vast region; from the high plains of the Andes to the depths of the Amazon jungle. Two typical utensils are required for the "mambeo" or chewing of these leaves: a poporo and a stick. The first one is a container in which lime from seashells is kept; it helps release the components of the alkaloid when the roasted leaves are chewed. The stick is used for taking this powder from the container to the mouth.

This poporo is shaped in the form of a pineapple, an attractive fruit to the indigenous people of the era because of its golden color and geometrical decor frequently utilized in Pre-Columbian civilizations.

3"L / 6"D

24K Gold Plated Poporo

Pre-Columbian Figures

$600.00