Figurine of a Priest Holding San Pedro Cactus
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Object Label
Aong with textiles, ceramics were the primary medium of visual expression in the Andes beginning one thousand years ago. One of the earliest representational ceramic styles was that of the Southern Highlands Chavín culture, illustrated by this hollow figurine of a priest holding a branch of San Pedro cactus (Echinopsis pachanoi). The priest is elaborately dressed in a feline headdress, an animal-pelt cape, a loincloth, a collar, and large disc earrings. The hallucinogenic San Pedro cactus was consumed by Chavín priests to achieve transformative states and communicate with the spirit world.
Caption
Late Chavin. Figurine of a Priest Holding San Pedro Cactus, 500 to 200 B.C.E.. Ceramic, pigment, 8 x 4 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. (20.3 x 11.4 x 8.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society, 68.97. Creative Commons-BY
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Culture
Title
Figurine of a Priest Holding San Pedro Cactus
Date
500 to 200 B.C.E.
Geography
Place made: Tembladera, Cajamarca, Peru
Medium
Ceramic, pigment
Classification
Dimensions
8 x 4 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. (20.3 x 11.4 x 8.9 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of The Roebling Society
Accession Number
68.97
Rights
Creative Commons-BY
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