Ornament
Artist/Maker
Tairona
(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 viewCollections
early 18th century