Artifact of the Month - Tolima Gold Pendant Reproduction
1980.3.61 - Gift of Jim Dotta
El Dorado, the city of gold! Such fanciful visions drove the Spanish conquistadors to pillage and plunder the New World of all its Gold and valuables. The same was especially true in Colombia, where gold objects were made in abundance.
1980.3.61 - Gift of Jim Dotta
This miniature pendant replica represents the type and styling of gold objects that characterize the Tolima culture of central Colombia. A reproduction that accurately depicts a creation of inspiration from supernatural visions and nature. Often worn as a pendant, this piece captured an embellishing portrayal of a shaman being in an animal spirit form.
Reproductions allow for the handling and presentation of precious objects without causing any damage to the actual artifact. Very few items from this time period and culture are still in existence today, therefore it is imperative that each object receive the highest level of care. This means restricting their transport and display. A majority of the Tolima Culture’s golden artifacts can be seen within their country of origin at the Bogota Gold Museum in Colombia. Not too far from where they are excavated.
The original gold objects of this type would have been anywhere from 7-12 inches tall. Which would have been made by using the lost-wax casting process. Where beeswax was first used to sculpt the form, then clay was used to make a mold around the wax. Followed by a melting removal of the wax and a later casting of the mold with gold. Revealing a perfect copy, which was unique. Meaning that no two gold objects created in this manner are exactly the same, because the original mold had to be destroyed to free the gold cast.
Residing in the Magdalena River Valley of central Colombia, the Panche “Tolima” People possessed complex agricultural and societal structures. Which meant opportunities for trading activities throughout the region with neighboring tribes along the Magdalena River.
The Panche people were known to wear very little clothing with the added adornments of earrings, feathers, and other gold ornaments. Which includes this style of gold pendant, worn around the neck with a cord. To them gold was a common form of wear and an artistic medium used to illustrate their beliefs. They were also known to practice head deformation from childhood. Creating a pyramidal flattened shape to the head.
By the time the Spanish conquistadors had arrived in the early 1500’s, the Panche numbered an estimated 30,000 people. The first wave of Spanish attacks were successfully repelled at first, but when the Spanish allied themselves with the Panche’s enemies, genocide was the unavoidable outcome. With the first major defeat happening on August 20, 1538 and near complete destruction by the year 1550.
Today, their language is considered extinct. With the last native speakers passing in the early 20th century. However, efforts are being made to reintegrate their language back into their society by establish bi-lingual schools and publishing materials that teach the language.
Dennis Wahlman - Collections and Exhibits Intern