Snuff Tray with Canine-human figure

Snuff Tray with Canine-human figure

300–800 CE
Culture
Tiwanaku
Locale
Northern Chile
Country
Chile, Bolivia
Object
snuff tray
Medium
Wood, shell, and turquoise
Accession Number
2000.200
Credit Line
Funds from Jan and Frederick R. Mayer, Lorraine and Harley Higbie, and Alianza de las Artes Americanas

Unknown Tiwanaku artist, Bolivia or northern Chile. Snuff Tray with Canine-Human figure, 400–800 CE. Wood, shell, and turquoise, 1 ⅞ x 2 ⅜ x 7 ⅛ inches. Denver Art Museum Collection: Funds from Jan and Frederick R. Mayer, Lorraine and Harley Higbie, and Alianza de las Artes Americanas, 2000.200.

Dimensions
height: 1.875 in, 4.7625 cm; width: 2.313 in, 5.8750 cm; depth: 7.125 in, 18.0975 cm
Department
Mayer Center, Arts of the Ancient Americas
Collection
Arts of the Ancient Americas
This object is currently on view

Snuff Tray with Canine-human figure
Tiwanaku
About A.D. 400–800
Northern Chile
Wood, shell, turquoise
Purchased with funds from Jan and Frederick R. Mayer, Lorraine and Harley Higbie, and
Alianza de las Artes Americanas, 2000.200

Snuff trays were used by the people of ancient Tiwanaku for the ritual mixing and inhalation of hallucinogenic snuff.  This example has the typical rectangular mixing area, while the handle is in the form of a three-dimensional figure that combines both human and animal attributes.  The upright posture is human, while the head is that of a canine.  The figure wears an upper body garment with long hanging panels that resemble the wings and tail of a bird.  This subject matter is unusual, and may represent either a costumed deity impersonator, or a shaman.  

Exhibition History
  • "Tiwanaku: Ancestors of the Inca," Denver Art Museum, 10/16/2004 - 1/23/2005
  • “Stampede: Animals in Art” — Denver Art Museum, 9/10/2017

Some images in our online collection are at thumbnail size, in accordance with AAMD guidelines, because they are protected by copyright. The Denver Art Museum respects the rights of artists or their representatives who retain the copyright to their work. Other images represent the best photography available and should be used as reference images only. Please complete the Image Rights Request form if you want to request a high resolution image.