is said in this context... see the whole description on the website




Expeditions @ Field Museum - Dispatches -Two strips of llama fat were laid out, and white flower bulbs were placed into small holes in the fat, one for each crew member to work on the mountain ...
fm4.fieldmuseum.org/expedition/ 1012/dispatches.jsp?ID=146



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Note added at 8 mins (2006-04-22 10:29:24 GMT)
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RARE CONOPA STONE IN BLACK COLOR.



TOTALLY NO RESERVE ME

This example is a animal-shaped ritual sculpture that represents a camelid. On the back part there is a cavity for use as a mortar in the preparation of mixtures to be used in fertility rituals and breeding of camelids.

Conopas are devotional objects that have cavities carved into their backs where offerings of llama fat and coca leaves are placed. Before the Spanish conquest . The tradition says that, these stone figurines are charged with protecting to the house and bringing good luck and prosperity the people who have them
. this conopa is early examples that were made before European contact.

In the photos shows a typical cavity that is carved into the backs of alpaca and llama conopas. The hole is not straight sided but slightly rounded inside, some much more than others. During the "ceremony of offerings" these small animal figures are used as containers to hold ritual offerings of alcohol, llama fat and coca leaves.