Koca Mama

23kt gold/22kt gold/platinum water gilt/oil on wood embedded turquoise 25" X 20"
2008

Coca is a staple food of many natives here, and has been a part of their diet for millennia. It is also treated with great respect by both Incan and Amazonian indigenous cultures, and this piece attempts to reflect the sacred nature of the relationship between the people and the coca plant. A traditional coca ceremony in Peru involves connecting with three worlds: Hananpacha is our relationship with the light, sun, moon, stars and their vibrations. Kaipacha is our relationship with reality and the present moment. Ukepacha is our relationship within the earth, with the roots of the departed, the mysteries of life and the sacred places of wisdom.