Cocaine Ethnobotany - chewing coca leaf question

[reptiles]

Greetings, I have noticed many indigenous people in Bolivia and Peru carry a calcium/lime powder in a small carved wooden container or gourd (for use as an activator when chewing coca leaves.) I am writing an article and my publisher wants to know what these vessels are called. Is there a specific term in English or Spanish? Many thanks.

 

[negrogesic]

Who knows what the receptacle is called (thats quite esoteric if you ask me) but i believe the activator is called "llipta".

 

[Kaden_Nite]

I think it might be 'poporo'. That could be an ancient term though.

 

[reptiles]

I think it might be 'poporo'. That could be an ancient term though.

Thank you very much, mate. I looked it up and it will indeed satisfy my need for an official term.

 

[d1nach]

Are they using calcium or sodium hydroxide? That would i think damage your gums. I am not sure id think even sodium and calcium carbonate and bicarbonate could also damage your gums. Thats why i stopped adding it to my chewing tobacco. If you have time you should be able to find the total leaf composition and est. On average exactly how much base you need. So you dont put something overly basic in mouth which overtime id assume could cause chemical irritation and damage.