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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Ornament
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami. All rights reserved.

Ornament

Artist/Maker (Colombia)
Date500-1550
Mediumgold alloy
DimensionsOverall: 7/8 × 7/8 × 1/8 in. (2.2 × 2.2 × 0.3 cm)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineGift of Sylvia Coppersmith in memory of Dora Coppersmith
Terms
    Object number86.0085
    DescriptionThe Tairona combined technical skill with mythology to produce finely detailed miniature objects which were traded to the Muiscas for emeralds. The favorite metal was a gold and copper alloy called tumbaga (20% copper and 80% gold) which is harder and more durable than its constituent parts making it easier to work by alternate hammering and annealing (Bray 1978:12). Forms unique to the Tairona included anchor-shaped finials or pendants, cylinder-shaped lip plugs, and jewelry components which combined human and birds characteristics. This piece appears to represent a celestial creature composed of serpent heads with bifurcated tongues.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Lambayeque-Sicán
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    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Maya (archaeological culture)
    ca. 600-900
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    Diquis
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    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Tairona
    500-1550
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    early 18th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Chavín
    1000-200 BCE
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    Lwalu people
    not dated
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    Moche
    100-800
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Gran Coclé
    ca. 700-1000
    Water Jar (Mizusashi)
    Nakamura Takuo
    2011
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    David Park
    1959