Pre-Columbian, Isthmus / Northern Colombia, International Group, ca. 800 to 1200 CE. A finely cast gold shaman comprised of 88% gold (equivalent to 20K+) with severely angular shoulders standing upon widespread legs with bent knees, holding and playing percussive instruments (similar to maracas) in his hands, his visage featuring coffee bean shaped eyes, a prominent nose, and a wide full-lipped mouth, crowned by a 'beaded' band adorning his magnificent, spiral-curled headdress. His body is nude with delineated genitalia, though further ornamented with an impressive pendant necklace, knee bands, and a waist tie or belt. Additional attention to detail is evident in the delineated fingers and toes, and there is an integral gold suspension ring behind the neck. Size: 2.125" H (5.4 cm); Weight: 32.5 grams

A similar figure sold at Sotheby's New York for $43,750 (16 May 2014, lot 218) - http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2014/african-oceanic-n09146/lot.218.html

The Sotheby's listing notes, "The International Group includes anthropomorphic figures which are found from central Colombia to northern Costa Rica; a single metallurgical province in antiquity (Hearne and Sharer 1992:39). The figures holding ceremonial objects such as poporos or gourds (in this case percussive instruments most likely made from gourds) are a particular category that reflect the influence of the Quimbaya style and the technology of lost-wax casting. The shared iconography that appears throughout this region attests to the importance of a shaman or performer shown in a realistic form."

Provenance: ex-private West Palm Beach Florida, USA collection

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#144003

Just a few very minute and difficult to see casting flaws. Otherwise superb.