PREïºCOLUMBIAN ART : INCLUDING A SELECTION OF ... - Lempertz
PREïºCOLUMBIAN ART : INCLUDING A SELECTION OF ... - Lempertz
PREïºCOLUMBIAN 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