Pre-Columbian Poporo Bracelet: A Symbol of Heritage and Reflection

A Small Gourd of Memory: The Poporo Bracelet

A tiny rounded vessel with a slim neck hangs from a gold plate chain. This Poporo bracelet is 7.5 in long.

The Colombian lime container bracelet reinterprets a well known object of ancient Colombia.

Product Details

• Material: 24 Karat gold plate over pewter, with gold plate chain
• Length: 7.5 in
• Style: Quimbaya gourd bracelet, Colombian gold bracelet
• Origin: Made in USA

What a Poporo Is

A poporo is a container for lime powder, used with chewed coca leaves. The metal neck was joined to a gourd body.

A dipper passed through the neck to scoop the lime.

Quimbaya Makers

The Met shows an early Quimbaya poporo neck. It was made between about 300 BC and 700 AD in the Cauca Valley. Early examples often show realistic figures linked to fertility.

A Quimbaya gourd bracelet carries a trace of that tradition.

A Companion for Life

In some communities men receive a poporo at adulthood. It becomes a lifelong companion. The poporo is also an image in modern Colombia, seen on its currency.

Wearing and Display

Wear the Poporo bracelet alone. Wipe with a soft cloth. Ask us if you need it longer.

A Colombian gold bracelet suits everyday clothes. See more in our Museum Jewelry Bracelets.

About the Poporo

The poporo joins memory, work and ritual. This Poporo bracelet is a gentle way to carry it. A Colombian lime container bracelet is a quiet conversation piece.

For More Reading from the Web

• See the gold neck of an early Quimbaya poporo. A Quimbaya gourd bracelet takes its shape from vessels like this. Neck of Poporo (Lime Container) - The Metropolitan Museum of Art