Tunjos (Votive Offering Figurine), c. 900-1550. Colombia, Muisca style, 10th-16th century. Cast gold; overall: x x cm (2 3/16 x 1 1/4 x 3/8 in.). Unlike the other gold ornaments in this gallery, tunjos were not worn; instead, they served as offerings that were deposited in sacred places, such as lagoons and caves. They often depict humans who hold something-here a container with a head (), a spear thrower (), and a bird-tipped (). The subject must have corresponded to a benefit being asked from the gods. Perhaps because they were not meant for display, tunjos
Tunjos (Votive Offering Figurine), c. 900-1550. Colombia, Muisca style, 10th-16th century. Cast gold; overall: x x cm (2 3/16 x 1 1/4 x 3/8 in.). Unlike the other gold ornaments in this gallery, tunjos were not worn; instead, they served as offerings that were deposited in sacred places, such as lagoons and caves. They often depict humans who hold something-here a container with a head (), a spear thrower (), and a bird-tipped (). The subject must have corresponded to a benefit being asked from the gods. Perhaps because they were not meant for display, tunjos were not finished after lost-wax casting. Flaws remain uncorrected, surfaces are unpolished, and gold that backed into the sprue (pouring channel) was left in place, creating the button-like form at the bottoms of and , which were cast upside down.
Size: 1766px × 2105px
Photo credit: © CMA/BOT / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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