Inca Silver Spoon: Parrot

A Pre-Columbian Inca silver spoon with a parrot. The spoon was used in conjunction with coca leaves to add lime while chewing the leaves to release the cocaine alkaloid into the bloodstream.

Peru.
Ca. 900-1300 AD.
Height: 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm).

Inca civilization arose in the Andean highlands of Peru in the early 13th century. By the 16th century, the Inca Empire was the largest empire in the New World. Their capital was at Cuzco in Peru. Despite their wealth, large population, and strong administrative organization the Incas were rapidly conquered by the Spanish by 1572.

Formerly in a New York private collection.
Inv#: 6587
Guaranteed Authentic

$1,750

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