This 24K gold necklace is based on a Tairona necklace (10th–16th century) made of brass-gold alloy known as tumbaga.
Some researchers suggest that geometry and abstraction in prehispanic Colombian metallurgy belong to the female universe, while the figurative belong to the male world of goldsmiths.
Traditions from the south of Colombia like Nariño, Calima and Tierradentro specialized in geometrical abstraction. The most recurrent elements were:
- The circle: representing the giving sun
- The rombus: a symbol of the feminine sex
- The spiral: representing fertility
- Different kinds of crosses including the X: representing the four cardinal points,
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The Z: successive steps evoking the mountain and the land
- Parallel lines: showing the chess board that gives a sense of rythm and succession
So far is not possible to know if these geometric abstractions had any narrative content like hieroglyphics, or whether they refer to cosmic, natural phenomena, magic symbols, social differentiation, a mark of being part of a clan or tribe, or whether they are simply decorative images inspired by nature or sensory hallucinatory experiences.
This majestic geometric pectoral necklace is a typical example of this concept.
20"L
24K Gold Plated Pectoral Necklace
Pre-Columbian Inspired Ethnic Jewelry from Colombia
