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PRECOLUMBIAN ART : INCLUDING A SELECTION OF ... - Lempertz

PRECOLUMBIAN ART : INCLUDING A SELECTION OF ... - Lempertz

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*165<br />

MUISCA GOLD TUNJO<br />

Ca. A.D. 1300-1500<br />

The cast off ering of triangular shape the<br />

upper portion with two rows of openwork<br />

lozenges trimmed with braidwork, surmounted<br />

on the top by two confronted birds,<br />

each with false fi ligree wings outstretched,<br />

adorned with dangles.<br />

Length 15.5 cm<br />

€ 1 000 – 1 500<br />

*166<br />

MUISCA GOLD FIGURAL PENDANT<br />

Ca. A. D. 1300-1500<br />

The tunjo of a cacique, ruler, standing on tiny feet with expanding<br />

torso, carrying a diminutive fi gure at his waist, and holding a birdheaded<br />

staff , adorned with jewelry and openwork crescentic helmet<br />

ornamented with dangles.<br />

Height 16.2 cm<br />

Cf. Gold, pl. 44 top left<br />

The isolated Chibcha (Muisca) are known for their distinctive votive<br />

off erings or tunjos. The fl attened compositions were cast in fl ow<br />

molds, layering wax sheets to which threads were applied to form<br />

the fi gural and decorative details.<br />

These fi gures were usually found buried in groups in remote shrines<br />

or sanctuaries such as caves, lakes or other areas of natural beauty.<br />

The various details on the tunjo fi gures are considered multi-symbolic<br />

images closely related to overall Muisca religious and social<br />

concepts.<br />

€ 3 000 – 5 000<br />

101

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