Shamans, Supernaturals & Animal Spirits: Mythic Figures From the Ancient Andes

292
Votive Fiber Sculpture Anaconda Snake
Central or South Coast culture (Ica?)
AD 1000-1476
Camelid wool, vegetal or cotton stuffing;
looping, embroidery
14" long
This extraordinary ritual object takes the form of an anaconda snake engorged with
prey. The bulbous shape captures the giant constrictor's unnerving tendency to
swallow its live quarry whole.
Although this boa is actually endemic to the tropical forests of South America, its
deadly powers and distinctive bull's-eye markings were embedded in the Andean artistic
imagination—even among people who could only have known this imposing creature
via hearsay, in captivity or through myth.
Although its predatory instincts are highlighted here, the boa was also strongly associated
with the sacred vine ayahuasca, a potent hallucinogen used in Chavín ritualism that may
have been introduced to south and central coast traditions by that highland cult.
272