Colombian Poporo (Lime Container)

Lime Container (Poporo), c. 1000-1500 A.D.
Quimbaya people; Colombia
Gold; 2 1/2 x 1 in.
2006.1.1.1-.2
Gift of Greg and Mechas Grinnell in memory of Armand Labbe Poporo is the specific name for containers such as the one pictured here that are used to hold lime, a white calcium based powder. When chewing coca leaves, lime is added to activate the plant’s stimulating qualities. This poporo comes from the Columbian cultural region of Quimbaya, arguably one of the country’s most technologically and stylistically innovative gold making centers. Having less pure gold resources than other regions, the Quimbaya experimented and perfected the production of gold-copper-silver alloys. To create sculptural objects like the poporo shown here, a lost-wax method was used. This process entailed sculpting the desired form out of beeswax and covering it in clay that would then be fired. This would allow the clay to harden and the wax to melt leaving a mold into which the metal was poured. After cooling, the ceramic mold would be cracked open to reveal the exact shape carved in wax. Additional elements were then sometimes fused to the object. Considering that poporos need to be hollow, the exactness of this casting process is a remarkable feat. Goldwork from the Quimbaya region is often realistic in form (although abstract forms are not unknown) and often mimics natural shapes such as cocoons, fruits, gourds and humans. In human forms, as seen here, great detail is given to the expression of the figure. In the face the halved eyes indicate a feeling of calm and serenity as does the broad, smooth face. The round orbs on the removable lid, mirror the appealing roundness given to the rest of the body, especially the thighs, belly and buttocks. In most Quimbaya figural gold work the subject is always nude and portrayed frontally. Because gold poporos were the personal possessions of those in power, it is more than probable that this once belonged to someone of importance. The poporo shown here is modest in size, some known examples measure over 2 feet in height.  All text and images under copyright. Please contact Collection Department for permission to use. Information subject to change with additional research.