pre-Columbian Tairona Tumbaga
Tumbaga Feline
This auction is for a very unique, museum quality tumbaga feline. The figure measures at 2.75 cm tall x 4.75 cm long x 3.0 cm wide and weighs a total of 23 grams. Please note the intricate hand work on this piece as this is what the Tairona people are noted for. Also note that this figure may be worn on a necklace.
The Tairona indians of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in northern Colombia produced beautiful gold and copper ornaments and religious objects using the lost-wax technique. The artisan would create a beeswax core in the shape of an animal or human, surround this figure with clay, and then pour molten gold mixed with copper through a hole in the clay. The molten metal then replaced the wax, which melted away. Once the metal had cooled, the clay was broken away to reveal the finished object. The Indians took special care in the finishing of pieces that were used for personal adornment.
The gold was treasured by the most eminent individuals of a tribal society and there were clear social distinctions concerning the quality and quality of gold ornaments that various members of a group were allowed to own. Gold was also given to the Gods in the form of votive offerings; it was buried with the dead; and many god objects served as special symbols in the various rites and ceremonies of the Indian people.
The items which are up for auction are owned by a collector who has traveled extensively throughout Latin America. He purchased the tumbaga and other pieces over several years and up to this point they have been a part of his private collection.
Each piece which I have available for sale is unique and beautiful in it's craftsmanship.
This item has not yet been authenticated.
Please send me a message with any questions you may have regarding this piece before the end of the auction.
Payment is appreciated within 48 hours of close of auction.
Please, serious bidders only.