Antropomorphic figure "Coquera"

The “Coqueros” are human figures that are chewing coca (Erythroxylum coca), a South American native plant that originated in the steep foothills of the Amazon Andes (low geological formations of the Andes). These figures were produced by groups of the Carchi-Nariño region (Ecuador-Colombia). They represent men or women usually sitting on the floor or on stools. Inside their cheeks there is a bulge formed by the bolus of coca leaves. This is a common practice among the cultures of the high plain and neighboring areas, carried out both routinely and in rituals. The figures usually appear with a naked torso, and sometimes they have small bags for their daily share of coca that are called “chuspas” (from the Quechua "chuspa").