Skip to main content
Advanced Search
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Ornament
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami. All rights reserved.

Ornament

Artist/Maker (Colombia)
Date500-1550
Mediumgold alloy
DimensionsOverall: 7/8 × 7/8 × 1/8 in. (2.2 × 2.2 × 0.3 cm)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineGift of Sylvia Coppersmith in memory of Dora Coppersmith
Terms
    Object number86.0085
    DescriptionThe Tairona combined technical skill with mythology to produce finely detailed miniature objects which were traded to the Muiscas for emeralds. The favorite metal was a gold and copper alloy called tumbaga (20% copper and 80% gold) which is harder and more durable than its constituent parts making it easier to work by alternate hammering and annealing (Bray 1978:12). Forms unique to the Tairona included anchor-shaped finials or pendants, cylinder-shaped lip plugs, and jewelry components which combined human and birds characteristics. This piece appears to represent a celestial creature composed of serpent heads with bifurcated tongues.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collections
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Funerary Mask
    Lambayeque-Sicán
    800-1350
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Pendant
    Maya (archaeological culture)
    ca. 600-900
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    False Face from Mummy Bundle
    Chancay
    1200-1450
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Ornament
    Diquis
    ca. 700-1550
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Jar
    Tairona
    500-1550
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Bowl
    early 18th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Stirrup Spout Bottle
    Chavín
    1000-200 BCE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Face Mask
    Lwalu people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Bottle
    Moche
    100-800
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Double-spout Vessel
    Gran Coclé
    ca. 700-1000
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Ethiopia
    David Park
    1959
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Figure
    Olmec
    ca. 1500-400 BCE
    eMuseum
    Copyright © eMuseum