Pre-Columbian, Colombia, probably Tairona, ca. 800 to 1200 CE. An impressively delineated and quite sizeable, hollow-cast 12 karat gold figural pendant, depicting an elite individual - perhaps a cazique - from the torso up, with hands to chest, facing forward with features skillfully in relief - including coffee-bean shaped eyes, arched brows, a rounded nose. Interestingly, the subject of this piece of jewelry is also bedecked in elaborate jewelry - a braided headband, substantive nose ring, multi-strand necklace, braided armlets and bracelets, and ear plugs. Integral suspension loop makes this piece ready to suspend and wear. Size: 1.75" L x 1.375" W (4.4 cm x 3.5 cm); Weight: 14.5 grams

The Pre-Columbian Tairona, a group of chiefdoms in a mountainous part of Colombia, are renowned for their distinctive gold pieces. See, for example, the catalogue from the British Museum exhibit "Beyond El Dorado: Power and Gold in Ancient Colombia". Although gold was not a form of currency in Pre-Columbian South America, it had great symbolic power, used by elites in life and in death to demonstrate their place in society.

Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection, acquired before 2000

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#125868

Minor surface wear with a few slight scuffs, but otherwise excellent.