A Huari Wari Culture Wooden Snuff Vessel with Flamingo. Peru ca. 500-1000 AD.A wonderful wooden carving of a ‘poporo’ or lime container representing a flamingo perched on a corn, the eyes with shell inserts. A lovely and finely carved example. Provenance: From a French private collection since 1960’s. Condition: Good overall complete with its spoon, age related wear and patina.In ancient times, this object would have held powdered lime made from calcined seashells. The lime would have been removed from the container through the hole in the top of the figure by means of a little spatula or spoon. Lime was a necessary part of the ritual of coca-leaf chewing; the coca leaves were put into the mouth to form a quid, and the lime was added to activate the drug. Ancient lime containers are known in a variety of different forms and materials, and those of the Wari and Tiwanaku cultures of the eighth and ninth centuries are of particular interest. Size: 9x6.5cm Good overall complete with its spoon, with age related wear and patina.