As a sign of their high status, the Inca nobles wore large ear plugs with decorative discs. If they removed them, the widely stretched earlobes could be seen. An important rite performed in the Temple of the Sun in the capital was the piercing of the earlobes of young men, documenting their inclusion in the circle of adult Incas. The Spanish conquerors called the Incas "big ears" - orejones - because of their long earlobes. Such small Inca figurines were found as offerings, for example at natural sacred sites such as lakes or mountains. One cheek is slightly bulging, which indicates that coca leaves are being chewed. Another indication that this is a ritual object.