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A poporo was a small container, introduced by the indigenous South American people, in which a quantity of lime was stored. By means of a long needle this lime was brought into the mouth while chewing coca leaves. The relationship between the poporo and the chewing of coca bestows to the poporo mystical powers and social status.

A poporo was a small container, introduced by the indigenous South American people, in which a quantity of lime was stored. By means of a long needle this lime was brought into the mouth while chewing coca leaves. The relationship between the poporo and the chewing of coca bestows to the poporo mystical powers and social status.

Colombian pre columbus indigenous Quimbaya based art

Poporo is a device used by indigenous cultures in present and pre-Colombian South America for storage of small amounts of lime. It is constituted by two pieces: the receptacle, and the lid which includes a pin that is used to carry the lime to the mouth while chewing coca leaves. Since the chewing of coca is sacred for the indigenous people, the poporos are also attributed with mystical powers and social status.

Colombian pre columbus indigenous Quimbaya deity art