Poporo_quimbaya_v3_sls

thingiverse

Poporo is a vital tool utilized by ancient cultures across present-day and pre-Columbian South America for storing small amounts of lime derived from burnt and crushed sea-shells. The device consists of two fundamental parts: the receptacle, and the lid that features a pin used to convey the lime to the mouth while chewing coca leaves. Given the revered nature of coca leaf consumption among indigenous peoples, poporos are also imbued with mystical powers and social standing. In Colombia, archaeological remains from the Chibcha, Muisca, and Quimbaya cultures reveal the presence of poporos. Initially, early periods relied on materials such as pottery and carved stone, whereas classic periods saw a prevalence of gold and tumbaga, exemplified by the renowned Poporo Quimbaya exhibited in the Gold Museum, a national emblem. Today, indigenous people in Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta continue to utilize poporos crafted from dried fruits of a plant belonging to the genus cucurbita (totumo), adhering to traditional methods. One notable poporo, the Poporo Quimbaya, is an exceptional pre-Columbian art piece from the classic Quimbaya period, currently displayed in the Gold Museum in Bogotá, Colombia. This ceremonial device was designed for coca leaf chewing during sacred ceremonies and was crafted using a lost-wax casting process around 300 CE. It's believed that the artifact was pilfered from a burial chamber on Loma del Pajarito ("Birdie Hill") near Anori in the Antioquia department, where grave robbing of indigenous tombs was rampant, often resulting in destruction of vital archaeological pieces for gold extraction. In 1939, the Banco de la República, Colombia's central bank, acquired the Poporo Quimbaya to safeguard it from destruction. This endeavor marked the beginning of a larger initiative aimed at preserving pre-Columbian goldwork, ultimately leading to the establishment of the Gold Museum in Bogotá. The Poporo Quimbaya stands out as an unusual piece crafted from tumbaga with minimalist lines that give it a modern appearance. It's one of the most recognized pre-Columbian art pieces, frequently utilized as a symbol of indigenous pre-Columbian culture and has been featured on Colombian currency in coins and bills.