Conopa in the Form of an Alpaca
Culture
Inca
, Peru
Date1450–1550 CE
Mediumstone
Dimensions6.3 x 9.5 x 5.1 cm (2 1/2 x 3 3/4 x 2 in.)
ClassificationsSculpture
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Terms
Object number1951.120
Label TextInca conopa were small stone camelid effigies with a hole carved in their back, in which blood, animal fat, shells, corn, coca leaves, etc. could have been placed. These offerings were deposited in pastures to protect the herds and express gratitude to Mother Earth. The practice of burying conopa continues today in the Central Andes.ProvenanceDr. John H. Finney, Brooklyn, NY; given to the Brooklyn Museum, NY, 1936 (36.674); sold to the Worcester Art Museum, 1951.On View
Not on view
