Carved stone fetish figures from Bolivia. This animal figure with an opening on its top is called a canopa. Although they are a well known from the Inca period, this 19th century example is substantially more rare than the older Incan canopas. The opening is used as a receptacle for containing ritual ingredients such as llama fat and coca leaves and various ritual powders during ceremonies for the blessing of the animals. These rituals are very ancient and are known to have been performed for centuries in the Lake Titicaca Altiplano region. These pieces were carved from alabaster or other stone material by the Callawayas who were shaman-priests. The were expressly made for these ancient rituals. The Callaways are an ethnic Aymara group known since Incan times as great healers and were the doctors to the Inca himself. They are highly regarded throughout the Andes and the fetishes they carve become family possessions passed down through the generations. The featured canopa is quite large and well carved for such pieces. Pictured also is the type of textile employed in these rituals as the mesa or platform upon which these figures are displayed when in use. It is a rare type of miniature incuna or coca cloth with wonderful use of bi-chrome yarns. Miniature coca cloths of this type are rarely seen. Pictured here as well are several Illas or carved fetish figures also used in the rituals. Illas do not have the opening on the top of the figure and are more often encountered than the very rare canopas. This is a nice collection. Individual pieces are available or as a group. Ask for additional images if need be.