A poporo lime container depicting an owl resting on a branch, with the removable head forming the lid. This receptacle was most likely an ancient poporo, containing lime, the active ingredient needed to chew coca. Note the pierced fastenings at the back to hang it around the neck, and a fine loop at the tip of the beak to which was attached a chain that linked the head to the bird's body, and must have been connected to the branch between its legs. The two legs and the claws gripping the branch so finely crafted, as well as the filigree braid work, testify to the talents and extreme dexterity of the work of the silversmiths of the ancient Muisca, Quimbaya, Sinù and Tairona cultures. The owl theme appears on scepter tops in the Sinù culture, and must have been associated with nobility. Sinù, or Taïrona, circa 600 to 1550 A.D., Colombia Tumbaga (alloy of copper, gold and silver), wear, small dents and old piercings, superb old patina from use H. 4 cm See p. 80 fig. 91 for a scepter top representing a Sinù owl in: Sweat of The Sun and Tears of The Moon, Gold and Silver in Pre-Columbian Art, André Emmerich, Hacker Art Book, New York 1977 Provenance : Jean Roudillon Collection before 1970